Atlético-MG vs Palmeiras Prediction: Two big clubs meet in Belo Horizonte

Atlético Mineiro sits in ninth place but is curiously the only side yet to lose in the Brasileirão. It's not often to see a mid-table team without defeats, but Atlético has only played seven games and has four draws. Another reason, of course, is that the Rooster is a competent team. This match features two of the best teams in the league, even though Atlético-MG and Palmeiras, at the moment, aren't at the top of the table. Last season, the Miners finished third, and the Paulistas were crowned champions.

Milito's men secured a precious away win against RB Bragantino in the last round. The home side scored first in the 25th minute, but Zaracho in the 42nd minute and Paulinho in the 44th minute turned the game around. However, for the next match against Palmeiras, the Argentine coach will have problems selecting his starting eleven. There are three suspended players, one of them goalkeeper Everson, and several injured players, adding to those who went to the Copa America. Atlético's defense will be very different from usual. The midfield will also have some absences, and only the attack should be at full strength, with Paulinho and Hulk. It won't be easy to beat Palmeiras with so many players missing.

The Pig won 2-0 at home to Vasco da Gama and is now in 7th place with 14 points, 3 points behind Flamengo and Bahia, leaders of the competition. Piquerez and Rony scored the goals for the Verdão, which had little trouble beating its opponent. It was the Paulistas' second straight win in the Série A. This week, Palmeiras sold Luis Guilherme to West Ham, losing two jewels in just a few days, as Endrick joined the Brazil national team and will not return to the club after the Copa América. Estêvão is another talented player who will likely leave Palmeiras, but as he is still only 17, the forward will remain at the Allianz Parque for another year. Abel Ferreira must find solutions, particularly in attack, so the team doesn't lose competitiveness. A draw against Atlético Mineiro would be a positive result.

Balance should prevail in a game between two quality teams. The Miners play at home but won't be able to field their best line-up due to several absences, particularly in defense. On the other hand, Palmeiras has also been weakened in the attacking sector with the departures of Endrick and Luis Guilherme. I'm betting on a draw that might satisfy both coaches.