Milito will have to change defense against Fluminense < In Attack

In a great phase, Atlético is trying to extend its undefeated streak under the command of coach Gabriel Milito. The next opponent is Fernando Diniz’s Fluminense, in a clash that promises a high level for the fifth round of Series A of the Brazilian Championship. For the match in Espírito Santo, the Galo coach will be forced to make at least one change in defense. The base of the lineup must be maintained.

Last Tuesday (30/4), Atlético opened its participation in the Copa do Brasil with a 2-0 victory over Sport at Arena MRV. Bruno Fuchs and Rodrigo Battaglia formed the defense duo in the duel.

The Brazilian will not be available to Galo against Flu. Expelled in the 3-0 victory over Cuiabá in the fourth round of the Brasileirão, the defender will have to serve an automatic suspension.

The tendency is for Jemerson, Atlético’s absolute starter with Gabriel Milito, to return to the starting 11. He was preserved from the last two black and white commitments (Cuiabá and Sport) – in the last one, to control physical load.

Doubts in Atlético’s lineup

On Tuesday (7/5), Atlético will visit Rosario Central in Argentina, in a duel that could guarantee early classification for Galo in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores. With this in mind, Gabriel Milito may choose to preserve some of the pieces with the longest sequence of games.

Right-back Renzo Saravia and midfielders Otávio and Alan Franco may have a chance to rest against Tricolor Carioca. The most likely replacements would be, in order, Mariano and Battaglia (in the case of the last two). If the Argentine is used in his original position, as a midfielder, Mauricio Lemos or Igor Rabello can form a defensive duo with Jemerson.

Therefore, the probable Atlético lineup to face Fluminense they have: Everson; Saravia (Mariano), Battaglia (Mauricio Lemos or Igor Rabello), Jemerson and Guilherme Arana; Otávio (Battaglia), Alan Franco (Battaglia), Zaracho and Gustavo Scarpa; Paulinho and Hulk.

In the Minas Gerais club’s medical department, young Rubens (ruptured medial collateral ligament and partial injury to the anterior cruciate ligament of the left knee) and Paulo Vitor (ruptured ligaments in the left ankle) continue to recover.

Galo is second in the Brazilian Championship, with eight points – one less than leader Botafogo. The match against Fluminense will be played from 4pm this Saturday (4/5), at the Kleber José de Andrade Stadium, in Cariacica, Espírito Santo.