Atlético-MG and Mirassol meet on Saturday at 18h30 ET at Arena MRV in Belo Horizonte in the 16th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. Premiere will broadcast the match live, and ge will follow it in real time.
The game brings together teams heading into the round from very different places in the table. Atlético-MG is 13th with 18 points, while Mirassol is 18th with 13 points, five points behind the first team outside the relegation zone.
For Atlético-MG, the match comes after a busy stretch that included elimination of Ceará on penalties in the Copa do Brasil and a 1-1 draw with Botafogo in its last Brasileirão match at Arena MRV. The team has been underperforming in recent matches, but it gets two important reinforcements back in Ruan Tressoldi and Bernard, both available again after injury.
The home side may still be forced into an unusual defensive setup. With Patrick, Índio, Scarpa and Victor Hugo listed as absentees, Atlético-MG may use only two natural center backs, with Natanael as a possible option at right back. Cuello is expected to return to the starting lineup, while Alan Minda and Cassierra are expected to remain as the attacking duo. The probable lineup is Everson; Ivan Román or Natanael, Lyanco, Vitor Hugo, Lodi; Alan Franco, Maycon, Cuello, Alan Minda; and Cassierra.
Mirassol arrives with a very different recent rhythm. Rafael Guanaes plans to use his strongest available team after resting starters in midweek Copa do Brasil action, following a run that saw the club play five consecutive matches at the Maião and finish with four wins and one draw. That home stretch also included a draw with Chapecoense, who were last in the table, and the club reached the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil for the first time.
The visitors also get Neto Moura and Edson Carioca back from suspension, though Carlos Eduardo or Everton Galdino remains the main doubt in attack. Negueba, Igor Formiga and André Luis are listed as absentees or doubts. Mirassol's probable lineup is Walter; Daniel Borges, João Victor, Willian Machado, Reinaldo; Neto Moura, Aldo Filho, Shaylon, Alesson; Carlos Eduardo or Everton Galdino, and Edson Carioca.
Lucas Casagrande of Paraná will referee the match, with Victor Hugo Imazu dos Santos of Paraná and Alex Sandro Quadros Thome of Roraima as assistant referees. Rodrigo D Alonso Ferreira of Santa Catarina will be the VAR official.
Atlético-MG needs points to steady a season that has not yet matched expectations, and it is returning home with both pressure and options. Mirassol, by contrast, has built momentum through results and a historic cup run, and Saturday's test in Belo Horizonte will show whether that form travels.
