Preview: Atletico Goianiense vs. Sport Recife - prediction, team news, lineups

Atletico Goianiense take on Sport Recife in the Brasileiro Serie A on Wednesday.

Atletico GO head into the match in eighth position with one game in hand on all seven teams above them in the table, while Sport Recife are only one point and one place above the relegation zone.

Match preview

© Reuters

Having only finished 13th last season, Atletico GO appear to be on the charge this campaign having earned 13 points from their opening eight games.

Former Botafogo boss Eduardo Barroca was drafted in as head coach in May, with the 39-year-old enjoying a decent start in his second spell in charge of Dragao thus far.

Having only been in charge for nine games during his last spell towards the end of 2019, Wednesday's test against Sport Recife will already double his tally in terms of matches in charge of the club.

Barroca's side ended a run of back-to-back defeats by beating Gremio 1-0 away from home on Sunday, with Lucao's 55th-minute strike proving to be decisive.

A win on Wednesday could take them as high as fifth in the table while retaining their game in hand on most teams in Brasileiro, so there is plenty of motivation at stake.

Sport, meanwhile, only survived relegation by a solitary point last season, which is the exact position they find themselves in once again nine games into the current campaign.

Former Coritiba manager Umberto Louzer was appointed as head coach in April, after magnificently guiding Chapecoense into Serie A as champions last season.

Sport are currently two points above Louzer's former side in the table, so for the time being it looks like the 41-year-old made the correct decision in terms of jumping ship and establishing himself as a manager in Brazil's top flight over the coming years.

However, after a winless run of five matches, defeat in Goiania on Wednesday could see Leao fall into the relegation places depending on results elsewhere, so Louzer and his players will be desperate to earn a positive result.

Team News

© Reuters

Atletico GO will have Natanael and Janderson available once again after the duo missed the win against Gremio due to suspension.

However, Barroca may choose to utilise them from the bench having seen their replacements help turn two previous defeats into a victory.

Joao Paulo and Ronald are likely to remain on the treatment table with muscle injuries.

Sport, meanwhile, will be without Paulinho Moccelin after the forward earned himself a suspension after being booked as a substitute against Palmeiras last time out.

Leandro Barcia, Joao Igor, Iago Maidana and Sander all remain injured, while Patric is still self-isolating due to COVID-19.

Atletico Goianiense possible starting lineup:
Fernando; Dudu, Oliveira, Eder, Aquino; Freitas, Maranhao; Luis, Baralhas, Arthur; Lucao

Sport Recife possible starting lineup:
Maylson; Hayner, Thyere, Sabino, Junior; Marcao, Welison; Neilton, Thiago Neves, Everaldo; Andre

We say: Atletico Goianiense 1-0 Sport Recife

Neither side are scoring or conceding too many goals so far this season, so we expect a close encounter on Wednesday.

However, Atletico GO clearly have more momentum at present, so they should be able to edge the proceedings.