Atlético-MG vs Cuiabá Prediction: The Rooster must win

Atlético Mineiro is underperforming in the league and is nowhere near the top of the standings. The Rooster has some excellent players, so ninth place in the Brasileirão doesn't reflect the squad's value. The Belo Horizonte side must beat Cuiabá, a team in the relegation zone going through a rough spell.

The Miners drew 1-1 away to San Lorenzo in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores Round of 16. The result secured in Argentina gives the Rooster a good chance of progressing to the quarter-finals. San Lorenzo opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Cuello's well-placed header, but Atlético had the strength to equalize in the 58th minute through Paulinho. It was the second straight draw away from home after the 0-0 draw in the Clássico Mineiro against Cruzeiro. Despite not winning any of the two games, the results give Milito's men confidence.

The Golden Dorado suffered its fourth consecutive defeat in the league and is in penultimate place in the standings. Cuiabá has 17 points with two games in hand and is four points behind Vitória, the first team out of the relegation zone. The Mato-Grossenses now have two successive games on the road with Atlético Mineiro and Palmeiras, so the outlook is not promising. In Round 4, Cuiabá lost 3-0 at home to Atlético, so it's the underdog in the next game. The pressure on Petit is mounting, and Brazilian clubs don't have much patience with their coaches. The upcoming matches will be decisive for the Portuguese manager.

Atlético Mineiro is not enjoying a good season but is the clear favorite in this game. The Rooster drew its last two games, but both were away against strong opponents, so the confidence is high among the players. Cuiabá is going through a negative cycle, so a good result in Belo Horizonte would be a surprise. In the seven times the two clubs have met, Atlético has won six games and never lost. Gustavo Milito, Atlético's coach, may give some players a rest ahead of the decisive midweek game with Rosario Central, and this is the only factor that could potentially bring Cuiabá some hope. I'm betting on Atlético Mineiro to win.