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Mixed martial arts Atletico MG vs Cuiaba Bet Builder Tips, Stats, and Player Props: Saturday’s Only Fixture
Atletico MG vs Cuiaba goes under the microscope this weekend in the sole Serie A fixture this Saturday. Nathan Joyes will be hoping to wake up to a profitable start to the weekend from the early 01:00 (UK) kick-off in Brazil.
We have an anytime scorer, a shots selection (or lack of them), and a frugal BTTS pick below.
Bet Builder odds: 6.50
Brazil, Serie A, Saturday 23rd September, 01:00 (UK)
Odds via bet365 as at 21st September 2023. Odds may now differ.
Atletico MG vs Cuiaba Stats: Dominant displays at home catch the eye
- Atletico MG won the reverse fixture 4-0.
- Atletico MG haven’t conceded since moving to MRV Arena.
- Cuiaba have lost their last three away matches to nil.
- Cuiaba haven’t had more than three shots on target in their last three away matches.
- Paulinho has scored all four goals at the MRV Arena.
Atletico MG vs Cuiaba Bet Builder Tips: Prolific Paulinho to strike for hosts
Paulinho to Score Anytime
Atletico MG have enjoyed their move to their shiny, new stadium, and so has their leading talisman. In the three games, Atletico has won 1-0, 2-0 and 1-0, completely transforming their previous home form.
However, one constant has remained: Paulinho scoring all four of those goals. The 23-year-old has thoroughly enjoyed his first season back in Brazil. He’s scored nine Serie A goals in 21 appearances, as well as seven in 11 in the Libertadores.
He also bagged a couple in the Copa do Brasil, and he’s become the main man, even with Hulk still very much in the starting XI.
Hulk either plays in behind or on the wing, providing Paulinho with the perfect assisting partner. Leaving the deadly 23-year-old as the sole striker through the middle, I expect him to continue his rich vein of form this weekend.
Cuiaba Under 3.5 Shots On Target
Despite having the fifth-best away record in the league, it’s fair to say Cuiaba has overachieved in the first half of the season. With games coming thick and fast, they’ve actually lost their last three away matches to nil.
A 2-1 away victory against Internacional in the 88th minute was largely due to the home side having ten men for the final third of the match. Before that, a 1-0 victory over Fortaleza came from their only shot on target when the defence gifted Deyverson a one-on-one opportunity.
Before that, they lost away to Vasco 1-0 with a below-average performance. In short, the only points they’ve picked up, or goals scored, have been due to fortunate circumstances.
They lost 4-0 in the reverse leg and rarely test the opponent’s goalkeeper on the road. Seven shots on target across all three recent away matches shows a lack of sting in the final third.
Atletico MG are dominant, sensible and well-drilled at home. Expect them to marshall Cuiaba’s frontline well.
BTTS – No
Having not scored in their last three away matches, as well as against Atletico MG in the reverse leg, this is a strong-looking addition to the bet builder.
As explained above, it’s been fortunate circumstances in their favour which has seen them pick up points on the road – but all of that appears to be catching up with them.
Despite their good, early form on the road, it’s important to note Cuiaba has only managed to score nine goals in 12 matches away from home. Having picked up just one point from their last five, scoring just two and conceding 10, they should be looking over their shoulders rather than up the table.
With Atletico MG continuing to thrive in their new environment, they are firmly hunting down a Libertadores spot for the next campaign. These two sides may be rubbing shoulders in the Serie A table, but there’s a gulf in class between them, which will see Atletico continue their 100% winning record at MRV Arena on Saturday.
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