Following a goalless first leg, Goias meet local rivals Atletico Goianiense for the second leg on Thursday, with both sides seeking a place in the Copa do Brasil quarter-finals.
Only separated by three points in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, the teams from Goias State convene at Estadio da Serrinha to conclude their last-16 tie.
After drawing the away leg of the Copa do Brasil derby at the end of last month, Goias have since enjoyed an upturn in fortunes as they continue their bid to avoid a relegation fight.
They have won two of their last three Serie A matches, after victories over Cuiaba and Athletico Paranaense in the past fortnight sanwiched a 1-0 away defeat to America Mineiro.
Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Athletico saw Jair Ventura’s side climb from 17th to 12th in the tightly-packed Serie A standings, albeit sitting just two points above the relegation zone and three clear of their rivals from Goianiense.
Progressing to the cup quarter-finals at the expense of their old foes would help keep momentum growing for Ventura’s side in midweek, having made the fourth round for the first time since 2018 by defeating Bragantino with a dramatic 9-8 penalty shootout success.
Atletico Goianiense aslo had endure the third round, as they too required spot-kicks to advance-eliminating Cuiaba 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate draw.
Jorginho’s side qualified for the last eight of the Copa Sudamericana in a similar manner last week, having fought back from a two-goal deficit against Olimpia to force a shootout, which the eventually won 5-3.
Dwindling in the Brasileiro’s bottom four, Atletico’s winless away run was extended to four matches at the weekend, as they were beaten 1-0 at Santos, all of which leaves them with their work cut out to secure a spot in the cup quarter-finals.
Goias vs Atletico Goianiense head to head
The two teams have previously met on 59 occasions across all competitions, where Goias have claimed 21 victories while Atletico have won 19, and they have drawn in 19. Atletico have scored 68 goals and conceded 67. In their last five meetings, Atletico have won two, Goias one with two draws.
Atletico Goianiense 0-0 Goias 02/05/21
Atletico Goianiense 1-0 Goias 26/03/22
Goias 1-3 Atletico Goianiense 02/04/22
Atletico Goianiense 0-1 Goias 08/05/22
Atletico Goianiense 0-0 Goias 23/06/22
Goias latest home form
Goias have recently been on a relatively good run of form at home, having lost just one of their seven most recent matches. They managed to defeat Athletico Paranaense 2-1 in their last home game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored six goals and conceded five.
Goias 1-1 RB Bragantino 28/05/22
Goias 1-1 Ceara 12/06/22
Goias 1-2 Internacional 16/06/22
Goias 1-0 Cuiaba 27/06/22
Goias 2-1 Athletico Paranaense 10/07/22
Goias latest away form
Goias have recently failed to keep a good run of form on the road, having won just one of their five most recent matches. They lost 1-0 to America Mineiro in their last away game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored three goals and conceded four.
Botafogo 1-2 Goias 07/06/22
Fortaleza 1-1 Goias 10/06/22
Corinthians 1-0 Goias 19/06/22
Atletico Goianiense 0-0 Goias 23/06/22
America Mineiro 1-0 Goias 04/07/22
Atletico Goianiense latest home form
Atletico Goianiense have recently been on a relatively good run of form at home, having lost just one of their five most recent matches. They defeated Olimpia 2-0 in their last home game in the Copa Sudamericana. In their last five matches, they have scored eight goals and conceded four.
Atletico Goianiense 2-1 Avai 09/06/22
Atletico Goianiense 3-1 Juventude 20/06/22
Atletico Goianiense 0-0 Goias 23/06/22
Atletico Goianiense 1-2 Sao Paulo 03/07/22
Atletico Goianiense (P)2-0 Olimpia 08/07/22
Atletico Goianiense latest away form
Atletico Goianiense have recently failed to keep a good run of form on the road, having won just one of their five most recent matches. They lost 1-0 to Santos in their last away game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored five goals and conceded eight.
Fluminense 0-2 Atletico Goianiense 12/06/22
Palmeiras 4-2 Atletico Goianiense 17/06/22
Ceara 1-1 Atletico Goianiense 27/06/22
Olimpia 2-0 Atletico Goianiense 01/07/22
Santos 1-0 Atletico Goianiense 11/07/22
Goias news
Midfielder Elvis recently departed the club, but Ventura can still turn to star striker Pedro Raul on Wednesday, following the latter’s decision to stay at Serrinha.
With Elvis’ departure from the club, Fellipe Bastos should start in central midfield, running the engine room in a probable 3-4-2-1 formation for the hosts.
Atletico Goianiense news
Atletico Goianiense boss has namesake Jorginho back at his disposal after making quick recovery from a thigh injury, but right-back Dudu remains doubtful through an ankle problem.
Jorginho is set to occupy a role in behind lone striker Diego Churin, who is currently on loan at the club from Gremio.
Prediction and Odds
Atletico Goianiense have troubles in the league, but they are on a good run in cup football and can come out on top in this Copa do Brasil derby.
Fighting back to progress in the Copa Sudamericana should boost their confidence, and Goias are not the most secure side defensively.
Odds: 1 2.20 X 2.05 2 2.15
Probable outcomes
Goias 0-1 Atletico Goianiense
Goias 0-2 Atletico Goianiense
Goias 1-2 Atletico Goianiense
Goias 0-0 Atletico Goianiense
Goias 1-1 Atletico Goianiense
