Atletico Mineiro had their gap at the top of the Brasileiro shrunk at the weekend when they were defeated by Flamengo, and the squad will now look to bounce back immediately when they host Gremio on Thursday.

The visitors currently find themselves in the relegation zone, four points adrift of safety, but with two games in hand on the three teams above, there is an opportunity to push them.

Match preview

Atletico Mineiro have been dominant throughout the Brasileiro this season, which has led them to the top of the league, sitting seven points clear.

However, after a defeat against third-placed Flamengo, the club will be keen to get back to winning ways immediately to maintain their lead on the chasing pack.

Defensively, no team in the division have been stronger than Cuca's squad, having conceded just 21 times across their league campaign so far.

Yet they have been just as ruthless in the attack, with Sunday's fixture being the first time they have failed to score in nine consecutive games.

Atletico Mineiro are also fresh from reaching the Copa do Brasil final, having defeated Fortaleza 6-1 on aggregate, which will no doubt have breathed plenty of confidence into the group.

On the other hand, Gremio are lacking in momentum and belief as they currently sit in the relegation zone with seven points separating them and Bahia, who are 16th in the table.

Having only won seven games throughout the season, the club have found things tough, but considering the fact they have at least two games in hand on the teams around them, they are still in a good position.

Should Vagner Mancini's side be able to pick up points in those games, there is an opportunity for them to climb the table, but they will need to improve upon their previous two performances.

Gremio have been defeated in both of their most recent outings, conceding five goals and scoring only one in the process.

At the weekend they competed against Palmeiras and the team got off to a perfect start when Diego Souza found the back of the net in the 12th minute, but they were unable to hang on, eventually being defeated 3-1.

Having conceded 35 goals already this season, Thursday is sure to bring a major test of their defensive capabilities, but if Gremio are to survive, the need to be resilient is clear.

Team News

The league leaders currently have a fit squad, with full-back Mariano having made his return at the weekend, appearing from the bench to get some minutes following his groin problem.

Allan was also brought back into the starting lineup after being rested in the previous fixture, while Cuca opted not to start Diego Costa in the recent 1-0 defeat, with the experienced striker likely to be in contention to feature on Thursday.

The visitors will still be without Paulo Miranda as he continues to serve a suspension following a recent red card and that should lead to Pedro Geromel retaining his place in the team.

Mancini also opted to bring in Bruno Cortez at full-back on Sunday, and he could be used once again, although Rafinha will remain an option for the Gremio boss.

Atletico Mineiro possible starting lineup:
Everson; Mariano, Silva, Alonso, Arana; Allan, Jair; Keno, Zaracho, Fernandez; Hulk

Gremio possible starting lineup:
Brenno; Vanderson, Geremol, Kannemann, Cortez; Villasanti, Santos; Alisson, Pyerre, Costa; Souza

We say: Atletico Mineiro 4-0 Gremio

Two teams at the opposite ends of the table, both of which have something important to fight for should lead to a game of high energy and intensity.

However, Atletico Mineiro should have more than enough quality to earn a comfortable three points in midweek, with their attacking options simply being too strong.

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