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

Atletico Goianiense and Corinthians will square off on Sunday, as both sides look to extend impressive unbeaten runs in the Brazilian top flight.

The visitors have collected 11 points from their last five outings, while their hosts have not suffered a defeat in the last six league games, seeing them rise back up to eighth spot in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A table.

Match preview

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After a strong start to the season, Atletico Goianiense endured a difficult run but bounced back from a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Palmeiras with a crucial 1-0 win over Santos, thanks to a Ze Roberto penalty.

That saw them break back into the top half, and Eduardo Barroca's men followed it up with consecutive draws against America Mineiro and seventh-placed Ceara.

The Dragao then made a return to winning ways as goals from Ze Roberto and Joao Paulo saw them overturn a deficit to defeat Bahia 2-1 away from home.

They now come into Sunday's game on the back of consecutive draws, earning points against Chapecoense and Internacional, with Joao Paulo salvaging a point in the 93rd minute against Chape.

In their bid to stretch the unbeaten run to seven league games, Barroca's men meet a Corinthians side who come in with similar confidence after a strong run of their own.

Sunday's visitors had a difficult start to the campaign, sitting in the bottom half at the beginning of August, but Sylvinho's men have managed to turn their form around recently.

After a creditable draw with Santos, the Timao picked up an impressive 3-1 home victory over Ceara thanks to an Adson brace and a Renato Augusto goal.

Roni then fired them to a 1-0 win over Athletico Paranaense, before they made it three straight victories by defeating strugglers Gremio away from home, with Jo hitting the only goal of the game with 10 minutes to go.

Their unbeaten run was stretched to five league games last time out, as a late Roger Guedes equaliser saw them earn a point from a 1-1 draw with Juventude.

The impressive upturn in form has seen the Timao rise into the top six, and they will be keen to maintain their position at the top end of the table with what would be an eye-catching result on Sunday.

Team News

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Atletico Goianiense are expected to remain without midfielder Marlon Freitas, who missed out on the clash with Internacional through injury.

They will welcome full-back Dudu back after he served a suspension last time out, but he was only sent off as an unused substitute and is unlikely to start.

A more important return is Natanael, who was ineligible to play against his parent club last time out.

The centre-back pairing of Eder and Wanderson should remain untouched after a clean sheet in that game.

The Corinthians line will be led by experienced forward Jo, who has netted five goals in the Brazilian top flight so far this season.

Winger Roger Guedes will also play a key role going forward, having hit a late equaliser last time out on his debut.

They announced the blockbuster signing of winger Willian in the January transfer window, but he could be eased into action with substitute appearances.

Atletico Goianiense possible starting lineup:
Fernando; De Almeida, Wanderson, Eder, Natanael; Janderson, Baralhas, Maranhao, Henrique; Roberto, Paulo

Corinthians possible starting lineup:
Cassio; Fagner, Victor, Gil, Santos; Giuliano, Gilbert, Augusto; Guedes, Jo, Silva

We say: Atletico Goianiense 1-1 Corinthians

In a clash between sides seemingly playing at the peak of their powers, we do not quite see either outclassing the other, instead opting for a draw.

Both teams will be desperate to continue unbeaten runs, and should be relatively pleased with a draw on Sunday.