Two sides in opposite runs of form will do battle on Wednesday, as America Mineiro welcome Atletico Goianiense.
The hosts have climbed to ninth spot in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A table thanks to four wins from their last five outings, while their visitors now sit just two points above the drop zone after a major dip in form.
Match preview
After a tough first half of the campaign, following their promotion from the second tier, America Mineiro were stuck in the relegation zone in the Brazilian top flight near the half-way mark of the season.
The Coelho have totally transformed their fortunes in recent months though, having now collected 29 points from the last 15 league games, including eight victories, to climb into the top half after winning just 15 points from the opening 17 encounters.
Marquinhos Santos's men head into Wednesday's meeting in a strong run of form, having won four of their last five games in the top flight, including two straight wins after bouncing back from a defeat to league leaders Atletico Mineiro.
They ground out a hard-fought 3-2 win against strugglers Sport Recife before making it back-to-back wins last time out by defeating Gremio 3-1, with Felipe Azevedo, Ademir and Juninho all finding the net.
That saw the Coelho strengthen their position in ninth place, and, with sides down to 12th spot earning qualification for next year's Copa Sudamericana, they will be keen to carry their impressive form to the end of the campaign in order to play on the continental stage next season.
They meet an Atletico Goianiense side in a different situation, as the visitors look to put distance between themselves and the drop zone.
The Dragao's season has gone in an opposite direction to that of their opponents, as they have seen a dramatic drop down the table after a strong start.
They have now won just three of their last 15 league games since late August and head into Wednesday's trip without a victory in four games.
The Goiania outfit looked to have turned a corner with back-to-back wins over Gremio and league leaders Atletico Mineiro in October, but those victories were followed by convincing defeats to Sport Recife, Flamengo and Palmeiras.
Now under the control of Eduardo Souza, the Dragao met a resurgent Santos side last time out, and neither side were able to break the deadlock, resulting in a share of the spoils.
They now sit down in 14th spot, with just a two-point lead over 17th Juventude in the drop zone with seven games left to play, meaning Souza and his side have plenty of work to do if they are to preserve their top-flight status this season, starting with what would be a crucial victory on Wednesday.
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Team News
America Mineiro will likely stick with a similar side to the one that defeated Gremio on Saturday, with Santos now favouring a 4-1-4-1 system.
Despite only netting one goal so far this season, Mauro Zarate has been a key man in their improvement, and he should continue to lead the line.
Ademir and Felipe Azevedo will again occupy the wings after they both netted goals last time out.
Atletico Goianiense were also slightly more encouraging last time out, and Souza should stick with the back four of Dudu, Wanderson, Pedrao and Igor Carius after a clean sheet.
The side have struggled for goals recently, failing to find the net in the last four games, but Ze Roberto should remain the best option to lead the line with the support of Joao Paulo.
America Mineiro possible starting lineup:
Cavichioli; Patric, Potiguar, Eduardo, Marlon; Kal; Ademir, Juninho, Egea, Azevedo; Zarate
Atletico Goianiense possible starting lineup:
Fernando; Dudu, Wanderson, Pedrao, Carius; Freitas, Maranhao; Ronald, Luis, Paulo; Roberto
We say: America Mineiro 2-1 Atletico Goianiense
Given the form of the two sides, we can only see the hosts picking up another victory on Wednesday.
The Coelho have picked up steam in recent months, while their visitors are devoid of any confidence.
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