América-MG vs Atlético-MG Prediction: The Rabbit meets the Rooster

This classic of Minas Gerais football was once the biggest in this Brazilian state. América and Atlético were the biggest rivals for decades, but Cruzeiro, founded later in the year, grew in size and took the spotlight away from América Mineiro. The two teams from Belo Horizonte are currently in very distant positions in the table. The Rabbit occupies last place in the Série A and is practically condemned to the Série B, while the Rooster is in fifth place, still with a glimmer of hope of fighting for the title. The derby will be played in Uberlândia, a city more than 500km from Belo Horizonte, for commercial reasons.

América drew 1-1 at Internacional last round. Although an away draw is, in theory, positive, only victory mattered to the Rabbit, who is now 17 points behind rival Cruzeiro, the first team above the relegation zone. With only 21 points to play for in the seven remaining games, there seems to be no doubt about América Mineiro's fate. In the derby against Atlético, América will want to beat its rival and bring at least some joy to its unhappy fans.

The Rooster beat Fortaleza at home 3-1 to record its third win in a row. Atlético's fans regret the two losses at home last month against Cuiabá and rival Cruzeiro because if the team had done its duty and beaten two lower-ranked teams, it would now be just one point behind leader Botafogo. The Série A in Brazil is incredibly difficult for any team. As Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira said, every match in the Brasileirão is a triple chance game, as if to say that any side can beat the other in any stadium. It's a crucial tie for Atlético, which could move closer to the top if it wins this Mineiro classic.

Atlético Mineiro naturally has the best chance of winning the classic. The team is in good shape, motivated, and has better players than its opponent. However, you have to consider that América will be playing for its honor now that the chances of saving itself from relegation are nil. That's why I'm betting on a Double Chance with a maximum total of three goals scored in the game, guarding against possible resistance from América.