Athletico-PR vs Atlético Mineiro Prediction: An exciting and balanced duel is in store

Two teams with great players will meet at the Ligga Arena in Curitiba. Athletico Paranaense and Atlético Mineiro know each other very well as they were opponents in the Copa Libertadores Group G. All three games played between the two sides this season have ended 2-1 in favor of the home team, including the Série A Round 3 match in Belo Horizonte. There were no draws in the previous encounters, but there was always balance and excitement. There is also an extra reason for interest, namely the fact that Luiz Felipe Scolari, coach of Atlético Mineiro, has left his position as technical director of Athletico Paranaense to join the Galo.

The Hurricane played one of the most thrilling matches of the Brasileirão's last round. The two-goal draw with Fluminense saw uncertainty on the scoreboard until the end. Athletico Paranaense took an early lead, but Vinicius Kauê's dismissal after only 22 minutes changed the nature of the game. The home side, with ten players, held on to the lead for almost an hour, but Fluminense turned the game around with goals in the 76th and 87th minutes. When all seemed lost for the Paranaenses, Vitor Roque equalized again in the 93rd minute. The Furacão is very tough at home and always fights to the end. Athletico will fight for the three points to improve their seventh place.

In its first match at the MRV Arena, Atlético-MG debuted its new stadium with a 2-0 win over Santos. With these three points, the Rooster climbed to ninth place and is now three points behind its next opponent, Athletico-PR. Therefore, if they win at the Ligga Arena, the Miners will equal the Paranaenses. Away from home, the Belo Horizonte club has the fifth-best record, with 15 points from 11 games. In their last four Brasileirão fixtures, the Rooster has won three and lost one after an eight-match winless streak. Atlético will be keen to take at least a point back to Minas Gerais.

It's not an easy game to predict as both teams have players with high individual quality, such as Vitor Roque, Vidal, Hulk, or Paulinho, who can unbalance the game. I'm betting that Vitor Roque will score a goal in this match. Central defender Lemos and defensive midfielder Battaglia are injured and won't be able to play for Atlético Mineiro, which could cause problems for Scolari in terms of defensive organization.