Atletico Mineiro - Palmeiras predictions and free betting tips [17/06/2024]

Today as part of the 9th round of the Brazilian Serie A, Atlético Mineiro will host Palmeiras on their home ground. The hosts are currently ninth in the league table with 13 points, just six points adrift of the leaders, while Palmeiras sits two places higher, having gone undefeated in their last five matches.

Atlético Mineiro

Atlético Mineiro, one of Brazil's most renowned clubs, is six points behind league leaders Botafogo. Last week, the black-and-whites extended their unbeaten run in the league by defeating Red Bull Bragantino (1:2) after a draw with Bahia (1:1). Lucas Evangelista's first-half goal was countered by Zaracho and Paulinho's strikes. In their last eight games, Gabriel Milito's charges have netted 17 goals and conceded only five times. Only once in the past 11 seasons has Atlético Mineiro averaged more points per game (1.86) than in the current campaign, which was in 2021 when they won the title. The hosts have also expended much effort in the Copa Libertadores, topping their group ahead of Peñarol and Rosario, significantly aided by a crucial 4:0 victory over Caracas in the final round.

It is also essential to note that Atlético Mineiro has been performing exceptionally well at home, remaining unbeaten in all competitions since early February. The team will be without the suspended Battaglia (5 matches), first-choice goalkeeper Everson, and Lemos. Additionally, Otavio, Rubens, Mariano (yet to play this season), and Zaracho (2 goals in the league) are long-term absentees, while Hulk and Paulo Monteiro remain doubtful. Thus, the attacking duo for the hosts will likely be the experienced Paulinho and Cadu, with Conceicao and Vitor responsible for creativity in midfield. The black-and-white's defence will be anchored by Saravia, Fuchs, and Rabello, with Mendes set to don the goalkeeper's gloves.

Palmeiras

Reigning champions Palmeiras also need to close their five-point gap to Botafogo, despite recent victories in the league against Criciuma (1:2) and Vasco da Gama last week (2:0). Joaquin Piquerez scored in the first half, while Rony doubled their lead in the 56th minute. The visitors are seventh in the standings with 14 points and, like their upcoming opponents, topped their group to progress to the Copa Libertadores playoffs. Notably, Palmeiras have remained unbeaten in their last six away matches across all competitions, although they have won only nine of their last 25 away fixtures. Furthermore, the team has only netted seven goals in eight rounds, which is the seventh-worst tally among all Serie A clubs.

Interestingly, if Palmeiras win the league again, they will become only the third team in history to clinch three consecutive titles after Santos in the 1960s and São Paulo in 2006-2008. Endrick, called up for Brazil's Copa America squad, will not return to the club as he is set to join Real Madrid from July 1st. Paraguayan defender Gomez (2 goals in the Copa Libertadores) will also miss tonight's game, as will Rios who is on national duty. Bruno Rodrigues and Romulo are injured and are likely to continue their recovery in the treatment room. On the flip side, 17-year-old Estevao (1 goal, 2 assists in the league) and midfielder Veiga (2 goals, 3 assists in the Copa Libertadores) are available and will form the visitors' attacking link. Rony, who scored in the last round, will lead the attack, while experienced Weverton will be the man between the sticks.

Head-to-Head

The teams last met in October of last year when Atlético secured an away victory with a scoreline of 0:2. Notably, eight of the previous 11 encounters ended in draws.

Match Prediction: Atlético Mineiro vs. Palmeiras

Both teams are missing several key players due to injuries, suspensions, or upcoming international tournaments, but the league standings mean dropping points is not an option for either side. Given how often these clubs draw against each other, it is reasonable to predict another tie in this match.