It's a massive mid-table showdown in the Brasileirão as Atlético-MG and Botafogo prepare to lock horns this Sunday at 4 p.m. at Arena MRV, in a crucial 15th-round clash. The match will be broadcast live on Globo (for select regions) and Premiere, and you can follow all the key moments right here.
Both teams enter the pitch dead level on 17 points, with Botafogo sitting in 12th place and AtlĂ©tico-MG just behind in 13th, separated only by goal difference. It doesnât get much tighter than that, and this match could be the turning point for either side.
Before kickoff, all eyes will be on the farewell ceremony for legendary forward Hulk, who has been transferred to Fluminense. He'll be honored by the home fans but won't take the fieldâa bittersweet moment for the Galo faithful.
On the tactical front, AtlĂ©tico-MG coach Eduardo DomĂnguez faces a mixed bag of news. The bad: center-back Lyanco and defensive midfielder Alan Franco are both suspended. The good: midfielder CissĂ© and forward Cuello are back in the squad. DomĂnguez is making three changes from the 3-1 win over Cruzeiro, with Natanael, Cuello, and TomĂĄs PĂ©rez stepping in for RomĂĄn, Lyanco, and Alan Franco, respectively. The lineup: Everson; I. RomĂĄn, Ruan, Junior Alonso, Renan Lodi; TomĂĄs PĂ©rez, Maycon, Bernard; Alan Minda, Cuello, Cassierra.
Over in the Botafogo camp, coach Franclim Carvalho has his own headaches. Right-back Vitinho is suspended, and forward JĂșnior Santos is out due to a contractual clause. Mateo Ponte steps in on the right, while Artur Cabral reclaims his spot up front. The only other change from the 2-1 Copa Sudamericana win over Racing is EdenĂlson replacing Kadir Barria. The lineup: Neto; Mateo Ponte, Ferraresi, Barboza, Alex Telles; Medina, Newton, Danilo, EdenĂlson; Matheus Martins, Arthur Cabral.
With both teams desperate for points and momentum, this one promises to be a battle. Who are you backing? Drop your prediction below!
