Preview: Sport Recife vs. America Mineiro - prediction, team news, lineups

Sport Recife will look to improve their standing at the bottom end of the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A table on Thursday, when they take on America Mineiro on home turf.

The hosts currently sit in 17th spot, five points adrift of safety with seven games to play, while their opponents are eight points better off in 12th place.

Match preview

© Reuters

Following a poor second half to the campaign, Sport Recife now find themselves in a precarious position in the Brazilian top flight, and they are now five points from safety.

With just 27 points from 29 outings, the Leao sat in 18th spot, but they galvanised to pick up a vital victory against Atletico Goianiense at the end of October, with Mikael hitting two goals in the final 15 minutes.

Gustavo Florentin's side were unable to make it consecutive wins last time out though, as a 96th-minute winner from David Braz saw Fluminense send them home empty-handed after Sport Recife looked set to grind out a commendable goalless draw.

As a result, they remain five points behind Santos, having played a game more, while Juventude sit level on points in 18th spot with two games in hand.

With a minimum of five points to catch up in seven outings, Florentin's men will know they need to put a run of victories together if they are to stand a chance of avoiding the drop this season.

Their visitors arrive looking to keep a hold of a spot in the top 12 after a defeat last time out.

Having had their own struggles earlier in the campaign, America Mineiro have enjoyed an upturn in form in the second half of the season, collecting 23 points from the last 13 outings after picking up just 15 points from the first 17 matches.

Such a reversal of fortunes has seen Marquinhos Santos's side climb the table, and they took control of 12th spot with back-to-back victories over Santos and Fortaleza at the end of April.

They were unable to make it three on the spin last time out though, as Guilherme Arana netted the only goal in a narrow 1-0 win for league leaders Atletico Mineiro.

Despite that, the Coelho kept hold of 12th spot, and, with that being the final place offering qualification for the Copa Sudamericana, they will be keen to return to winning ways and ensure they seal a top-12 finish in the final straight of the campaign.

Team News

Sport Recife will likely remain without Neilton, Igor and Leandro Barcia on Thursday, as the trio continue to battle through injuries.

However, they will be boosted by the returns of Gustavo and Mikael from suspensions, with the latter set to lead the line with confidence after a decisive brace in their 2-0 win against Atletico Goianiense.

Sabino and Rafael Thyere should continue to partner up at the heart of the back four after a series of resilient displays in defence.

America Mineiro are unlikely to make many changes after a fighting display against the league leaders last time out, with Patric, Ricardo Silva, Eduardo and Marlon all expected to keep their places in the back four.

Experienced forward Mauro Zarate made a return to the starting XI in that game, and he will hope to keep his place between wingers Ademir and Felipe Azevedo.

Sport Recife possible starting lineup:
Maylson; Ewerthon, Thyere, Sabino, Sander; Marcao; Gustavo, Welison, Hernanes, Trellez; Mikael

America Mineiro possible starting lineup:
Cavichioli; Patric, Potiguar, Eduardo, Marlon; Egea, Kal, Juninho; Azevedo, Zarate, Ademir

We say: Sport Recife 0-1 America Mineiro

With the hosts' improved defensive stability and struggles in front of goal, we see this being another low-scoring encounter and expect them to fall just short.

While they have shown positive signs in the last two outings, they meet an America Mineiro side on the up, and the visitors will be keen to strengthen their bid for continental football with an away win.

Previews by email