Preview: Corinthians vs. Atletico Mineiro - prediction, team news, lineups

High-flying Atletico Mineiro will be looking to claim their fifth successive league victory when they travel to Corinthians in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A on Saturday.

The hosts, meanwhile, have won just one of their last five matches and only three times in their 11 league games so far this campaign.

Match preview

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Corinthians were unable to extend ther unbeaten league run to seven matches as they narrowly lost 1-0 away at Fortaleza on Monday.

Robson's fourth goal of the season in the 19th minute was enough for the hosts to claim all three points, with the visitors losing their first away match of the campaign.

That result has seen Sylvinho's men drop down to 12th in the table, though they currently remain out of danger as they sit seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Despite losing earlier this week, Corinthians had looked strong defensively so far this season, keeping the joint-most clean sheets with five and conceding only eight goals, the fewest in the division.

The Timao have failed to win any of their last three meetings against Atletico Mineiro, but a victory on Saturday could see them climb up to eighth place and just four points behind the top four.

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Atletico Mineiro head into this weekend's fixture after playing out a goalless draw at home to Boca Juniors in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores last-16 tie on Wednesday.

Despite having more possession, the visitors struggled to carve out any clear-cut chances, while the hosts had a goal controversially ruled out in the first half by VAR, as Diego Gonzalez was deemed to have nudged Rever in the back before finding the net.

Head coach Cuca will have been pleased with his side's defensive display against one of South America's strongest teams, and that they remain firmly in the tie for the second leg. Now, the 58-year-old and his players will briefly turn their attention back to the Brasileiro, with the Alvinegro currently one of the league's in-form clubs.

Atletico have won each of their last four matches, scoring eight goals in the process, and this impressive form has helped them climb up to third in the table.

The Alvinegro won both meetings against Corinthians last season – winning by an aggregate score of 5-3 – and another victory on Saturday could see them move above Palmeiras to the summit on goal difference.

Team News

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Corinthians quartet Leo Natel (shoulder), Gustavo Mantuan (knee), Caique Franca (hernia) and Ruan Oliveira (knee) all remain on the treatment table with injuries.

Winger Marquinhos, who has come off the bench in each of the last four matches, will be hoping he can start ahead of either Gustavo Silva or Mateus Vital, while the club's top goalscorer Jo – who has found the net four times so far this season – is set to lead the line once again.

A back four of Fagner, Joao Victor, Gil and Fabio Santos – shielding goalkeeper Cassio – has started together in 10 of their 11 league matches this campaign, and they are all expected to keep their places in the side again on Saturday.

As for Atletico Mineiro, they remain without Marrony (knee), Keno (thigh) and Rafael (shoulder) due to injury.

Either Mariano or Guga is expected to play at right-back, while Junior Alonso could be replaced at left-back by Dodo or Guilherme Arana.

Eduardo Vargas will be hoping he can make his first league appearance since May, though the forward is set to begin the match on the bench, with Nacho Fernandez likely to start in behind Hulk up front.

Corinthians possible starting lineup:
Cassio; Fagner, Victor, Gil, Santos; Cantillo, Gabriel; Gustavo, Vitinho, Vital; Jo

Atletico Mineiro possible starting lineup:
Everson; Mariano, Rever, Rabello, Arana; Tche Tche, Allan; Savarino, Fernandez, Zaracho; Hulk

We say: Corinthians 0-2 Atletico Mineiro

As solid as Corinthians have been defensively, they have struggled to find the net this season and they may find it difficult once again against Atletico Mineiro, who have kept three clean sheets in their last four matches.

The visitors could go top with a win on Saturday and that incentive could drive them to secure all three points at the Corinthians Arena.