Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Desperate to widen their buffer over the drop zone late on Wednesday night, Atletico Mineiro will welcome Sport Recife to the Arena MRV.
Atletico Mineiro
Starting with the hosts, while Atletico Mineiro might have punched a Copa Sudamericana semi-final spot last month as they edged past Bolivian outfit Bolivar, Jorge Sampaoli’s men have endured a real domestic struggle this season. Last seen over the weekend putting in another worrying performance as they slumped to a 3-0 drumming at the hands of Fluminense, the Roosters are still looking over their shoulder at a looming relegation scrap. Despite signing off September with an essential 1-0 win against Mirassol, the Minas Gerais-based outfit have drastically failed to find any kind of fluidity. In fact, Atletico Mineiro have recorded just a single win from any of their previous 12 domestic appearances across all competitions – a rut that stems all the way back to August 3rd.
Atletico Mineiro Team News
Both shown costly bookings away at Fluminense over the weekend, both Alan Franco and Chilean youngster Ivan Roman will serve respective suspensions here. Still dealing with a recent ankle issue and not featuring over the past few weeks, Atletico Mineiro are once again expected to be without Argentinian striker Cuello.
Despite turning 39 back in July and failing to find the net in any of his last 10 appearances, former Brazilian superstar Hulk could keep his spot leading the line. Arriving from Bahia on a season-long loan switch, Vitor Hugo will start at the heart of Sampaoli’s defence.
Sport Recife
As for the visitors, while Sport Recife might have begun to show some signs of a fight, the Lions look nailed on to be hit with an immediate Serie B return this year. Despite now snatching consecutive 1-1 draws against Cruzeiro and Fluminense over the week, Daniel Paulista’s side still sit rock-bottom of the table and they open Wednesday’s showdown 12 points adrift of Serie A safety. In fact, along with putting just 16 points on the board so far this season, the former Remo boss has also seen his squad muster just a pair of top-flight victories during the 2025 campaign. Hit with a 2-0 loss when they last travelled to Atletico Mineiro for a Copa do Brasil tie back in May 2024, it is no surprise that Paulista’s leading relegation contenders are pencilled in as a real underdog here.
Sport Recife Team News
Both still dealing with respective knee injuries, Sport Recife will once again be unable to call upon the duo of Ze Roberto and veteran goalkeeper Denis here. However, after serving a domestic suspension earlier in the week, Matheus Alexandre will return to Paulista’s travelling squad.
Finding the net away at Cruzeiro on Monday and notching a fourth Serie A strike of the season, new recruit Derik Lacerda will shoulder plenty of Recife’s attacking threat on Wednesday. Colombian international Christian Rivera will start in the middle of the park.
Atletico Mineiro vs Sport Recife Key Factors to Consider
- When Atletico Mineiro and Sport Recife last met back in May 2024, Wednesday’s guests collected a 1-0 Copa do Brasil victory at the Ilha do Retiro.
- The Roosters have recorded a clean sheet in all of their last three consecutive appearances in Minas Gerais.
- Likewise, all of Atletico’s previous five matchups at the Arena MRV have finished with under 2.5 goals.
- Wednesday’s guests have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their 20 Serie A appearances so far this season.
- Only one of the last six meetings between Atletico Mineiro and Sport Recife have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
While Sport Recife might have shown some real signs of a fight over the past week, the Lions are once again pencilled in as a real underdog contender here. Two camps who have incredibly flattered to deceive this year, don’t be surprised to see another nail-biting contender late on Wednesday night. With Atletico Mineiro recording three consecutive clean sheets at the Arena MRV, we are expecting chances to come at a premium in midweek.
Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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