Atletico GO vs Goias Predictions

• Atletico Goianiense have won three of their last four games after beating Juventude 3-1 on Sunday.
• The hosts have scored nine goals in their last four outings.
• Goias, meanwhile, are on a four-match winless run, losing the last two.

Hosts have derby edge after good run

Atletio Goianiense take on local rivals Goias in the first leg of the Brazilian Cup’s round of 16 on Wednesday, and Jorginho’s men should approach the contest in confident mood after recording their third win in four games on Sunday, downing Juventude 3-1 to move within just two points of Serie A’s top six.

Atletico lost the last meeting between these sides in early May, but that was their first defeat to their neighbours in six clashes, four of which have seen the Dragao triumph. The likes of Wellington Rato and Airon have starred during their recent good run, averaging over two goals per game in their last four games and only losing to table-topping Palmeiras. Since May 17, Atletico have only lost two of their nine matches, and that strong form could continue on Wednesday.

Last month’s derby win initially sparked an improved run of form for Jair Ventura’s Goias, forming part of a sequence in which they lost one of eight games, but that has given way to a four-match winless run in recent weeks, with Goias coming into this context having lost back-to-back games for the first time in 2022. Their record of 17 top-flight goals conceded is worse than all but five Brazilian sides this year, and this derby may come at the worst possible time for the out-of-sorts visitors.

Back Atletico to claim cup advantage

Atletico’s recent revival, coupled with the poor run endured by Goias, means a home win looks the outstanding play for Wednesday. However, Atletico have seen both teams score in five of their last seven games, so a 2-1 home win looks a decent correct score prediction.