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NederlandAfter missing an opportunity to collect their first international trophy, the focus for Bragantino will shift back to the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A as they get set to face America Mineiro on Saturday from Estadio Nabi Abi Chedid.
Braga were beaten 1-0 by Athletico Paranaense in the final of the Copa Sudamericana last Sunday, while America were shut out for a second consecutive league fixture when they dropped a 2-0 decision to Fluminense.
Match preview
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They may have failed to get their hands on a famous trophy last weekend, but when one door closes, another one opens, and Braga have a shot at qualifying for a more prestigious competition next season, the Copa Libertadores.
At the moment, Mauricio Barbieri's side are sixth in the standings, which would give them a qualification spot for that tournament, but a guaranteed place in the group stage is well within reach for them, currently only a point behind Corinthians for fourth.
A familiar trend has recently occurred with Braga, who have either failed to score or concede in each of their previous eight encounters in all competitions.
Throughout the year, for better or for worse, they have been a very proactive side who like to push forward and play to win, employing a high defensive line and a game which is based on possession and attacking the space in behind opposing fullbacks.
Unfortunately, that style has produced a mixture of results as that approach always seems to create a lot of scoring chances but playing that way can put them on their heels, which it did in the Copa Sudamericana final and in their previous league game against Gremio, as they gave up 14 total shots on target in those two fixtures.
They have won four of their last five home games by a combined score of 8-0, losing only two matches played in upstate Sao Paulo over that stretch.
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Win one and lose one has been the theme for Coelho on the road of late, having failed to win or lose consecutive away games since the middle of October.
Marquinhos Santos has his side positioned right in the middle of the pack, in 10th with 45 points after their three-match unbeaten run was snapped on Sunday.
Their high pressing approach has given them some good looks in recent matches, but their midfielders higher up the field have not done enough to bring a defender with them and create some space for their lone striker up front.
The return to the top flight for Mineiro this time out has been a lot more enjoyable than their previous one in 2018 when they finished third from the bottom and were immediately relegated back down into the Brasileiro Serie B.
Since the fall, they have been very well-structured and compact on the defensive side of things, particularly against the top teams in Brazil, picking up points versus Corinthians, Flamengo, Palmeiras and Fortaleza, all of whom are currently in a top-five position in the table.
In their previous matchup with Braga earlier this year, it was a reasonably even game as Mineiro had 51% possession, and each team had the same amount of shots on target (three), but the difference was the quality in attack as the team with a number nine (Bragantino) got two goals whereas America, who often play with a false nine, got none.
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Team News
Ytalo scored the winning goal in their previous meeting versus Mineiro, while substitute Gabriel Novaes got a late insurance marker in that 2-0 win, and Ytalo has been relatively consistent in the goalscoring department this year, with 11, just one behind Gilberto for third in Serie A.
In their previous home fixture versus Fortaleza, they were able to get some solid contributions from their supporting cast as Helinho scored his fifth of the campaign and Artur put home his eighth from the penalty spot for a 3-0 victory.
On Sunday Barbieri had a completely different looking starting 11 than in their last league match which they lost 3-0 to Gremio as Cleiton replaced Julio Cesar in goal last Sunday, while Edimar, Leo Ortiz, Fabricio Bruno, Aderlan, Helinho, Tomas Cuello, Jadsom, Artur, Ytalo and Bruno Praxedes all got to start in that defeat to El Paranaense.
America midfielder Ramon is the only one who is doubtful for this match with a knee injury which has kept him out of the lineup since August.
Last weekend goalkeeper Matheus Cavichioli faced five shots against Flu and conceded twice as Marlon and Patric struggled to contain the experienced attacking players from Rio.
Ademir is their biggest scoring threat, finding the back of the net nine times this year, plus he has two assists, one back of Juninho for second on the team and two behind Lucas Kal for the lead.
Bragantino possible starting lineup:
Cleiton; Edimar, Ortiz, Bruno, Aderlan; Helinho, Guilherme, Jadsom, Artur; Ytalo, Alerrandro
America Mineiro possible starting lineup:
Cavichioli; Patric, Silva, Eduardo, Marlon; Kal; Ademir, Juninho, Ze Ricardo, Azevedo; Zarate
We say: Bragantino 2-0 America Mineiro
Expect to see Braga in a foul mood and eager to get back to winning ways after a tough loss in the Copa Sudamericana.
America have done a good job of keeping their road matches close, but we do not believe that they will be able to handle the dynamic attacking depth that their opponents on Saturday can throw at them.
