Palmeiras retained most of their title winning squad, Gabriel Jesus aside, and are also back under the stewardship of Cuca, the boss who lead them to the title. However, his swift return hasn’t exactly been going to plan so far, with his troops only picking up 3 points from the the opening 3 games.
Gameweek two’s loss at Chapecoense was perhaps excusable, as reserve players were mainly fielded, but last weekend’s 2-0 fall at arch rivals Sao Paulo was more of a concern. “Verdao” had far more of the ball in the encounter, but lacked ideas going forward and they’ll be looking to rediscover an edge that saw them plunder four past Vasco on the opening day and end last season as the league’s top scorers when they take to the field here.
Atletico Mineiro find themselves with two points collected having yet to register a win in the new campaign, despite being at home twice.. The side picked up a decent point away at Flamengo on the opening day but then followed it up with a defeat against Fluminense and a draw with the modest Ponte Preta.
“Galo” have no problems going forward, having scored in each game but have looked porous at the back. They dominated the game against Ponte last week but were carved open by the visitors twice on the counter, and ended up having to come from behind to draw the game 2-2.
That’s something that’s going to have to change here if they are to secure a result. Whilst Palmeiras have fired two blanks on the road, on home soil they’ve been scoring for fun this year, as well as winning with impressive regularity. All in all they’ve won all but one of 13 home games contested in 2017, plundering in an average of 2.3 goals a game in the process.
Nonetheless, Atletico cannot be too afraid of the upcoming trip. Palmeiras have been unable to beat them in the last 11 encounters, with their last triumph coming in 2011. Atletico have won 9 of those 11 games, including the last 4 away.
We don’t think they’ll have quite enough to do so again, but they’ll certainly be more than a match for the hosts. Backing both sides to score makes the most sense at fair odds.. The two possess some fantastic players going forward, but have been poor defensively in recent weeks. A 2-2 draw looks to be on the cards as both chase the 3 points but defensive deficiencies hold them back once more.
Head To Head
The sides have met on 62 occasions, with Palmeiras winning 31 and Atletico 23. Despite trailing on the overall count, the visitors are 11 matches unbeaten against the hosts, winning 9 of those encounters.
Palmeiras vs Atletico Mineiro Stats
Palmeiras have scored an average of 2.3 goals a game on home soil so far this year. Meanwhile, Atletico Mineiro are averaging 1.57 a game on the road this year.
Palmeiras Team News
Late calls will be made on Alejandro Guerra and Dudu. Defender Thiago Martins is out alongside midfielders Arouca and Moises.
Atletico Mineiro Team News
Right back Marcos Rocha and midfielder Adilson have joined Jesiel, Carlos Cesar, Leonardo Silva, Luan and Lucas Candido on the side lines. Watch Live stream free Click Here | Link 2#
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