Palmeiras vs Atletico MG Prediction & Betting Tips - Copa Libertadores

Prediction published on 08/08/2023, 17:00  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 08/08/2023 at 17:01 in Copa Libertadores Predictions

The second leg in the Round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores will be played this week, with Palmeiras playing host to Atletico Mineiro on Thursday. The hosts currently lead the tie 1-0 courtesy of Raphael Veiga scoring the only goal in the first leg. Palmeiras dropped to fourth in the Brazilian Serie A after losing their last match 2-1 to Fluminense. There are now as many as four teams currently on the same total of 31 points, behind runaway leaders Botafogo, who are currently 13 points ahead. Palmeiras finished first in their group, which included Bolivar, Barcelona SC, and Cerro Porteno. They took 15 of the 18 points on offer in the group stages and maintained a perfect home record of three wins in three, scoring ten and conceding just three in that time. Over their last six matches in all competitions, they have won three, drawn one, and lost two. Palmeiras began the season with six consecutive home wins and went unbeaten in ten matches on home soil. They have only lost two of the 15 home matches they have played in all competitions at home this season and are the clear favourites according to the bookies. 

Meanwhile, Atletico Mineiro managed a much need win in their last match, beating Sao Paul 2-0. That win brought an end to a ten-match winless run which included three consecutive losses heading into the fixture. They are now in tenth place in the league with 24 points and have a record of six wins, six draws, and six losses in 18 league games this season. In the group stages, Atletico Mineiro managed 10 points and finished behind Athletico-PR but ahead of Libertad and Alianza Lima. It may be worth noting that Athletico-PR currently trails 3-1 after their first-leg encounter with Bolivar, who finished second in Group C behind Palmeiras. The visitors have won one, drawn one, and lost one of their three away matches in this competition and have won just one of their last six on the road in any competition. They are around 5/1 outsiders to win this contest.