Preview: America Mineiro vs. Cuiaba - prediction, team news, lineups

America Mineiro will be looking to bring an end to their losing run when they take on Cuiaba at Estadio Raimundo Sampaio on Thursday.

The Rabbit have lost their opening three games and are bottom of the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A standings, while Cuiaba have taken one point from their first two games.

Match preview

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America were promoted from the second tier last season, but their start to life back in the big time has not quite gone to plan.

Lisca's side have played three and lost three, conceding four goals and yet to score at the other end of the field.

A 2-0 loss to Flamengo on Sunday, following defeats-to-nil against Athletico Paranaense and Corinthians, leaves America at the foot of the division.

However, given the tight nature of things at the bottom, the Rabbit could potentially climb as high as 14th in the 20-team division should things go to plan in midweek.

Cuiaba are themselves in need of a boost after drawing with Juventude and losing at Fluminense in their first two matches.

The Green-Gold are also adjusting to life back in the top flight after earning promotion last time out.

Gabriel Teixeira's goal just before half time proved enough for Fluminense to pick up the victory in Cuiaba's most recent match.

These sides met twice in 2020, with Cuiaba winning the first fixture 1-0 before playing out a stalemate in November's clash.

Team News

America Mineiro are without injured pair Luiz Fernando and Marcelo Toscano, while Leo Passos is also doubtful.

There is also a question mark over the availability of Airton after the goalkeeper recently tested positive for coronavirus.

Bruno Nazario led the line against Flamengo last time out, but Lisca may be tempted to change things after another scoreless outing.

As for Cuiaba, they have near enough a fully-fit squad to choose from, while Yuri is back in contention after being ineligible to play against parent club Fluminense.

Elton has missed the last few matches, so Rafael Elias should get the nod in attack on Thursday.

America Mineiro possible starting lineup:
Cavichioli; Diego, Eduardo, Anderson, Paulo; Juninho, Gustavinho, Ale; Nazario, Rodolfo, Ademir

Cuiaba possible starting lineup:
Walter; Lucas, Marllon, Paulao, Uendel; Auremir, Gava; Cafu, Pepe, Clayson; Elias

We say: America Mineiro 1-1 Cuiaba

Both sides could do with a morale-boosting victory in midweek to kickstart their campaigns.

America Mineiro have not even so much as found the net this season and, while we can see that changing here, a victory may be out of reach.