Atletico PR should claim first-leg lead against Newell's Old Boys

Copa Sudamericana
11.15pm Thursday

It has been three years since Atletico Paranaense were last in Copa Sudamericana action but the Brazilian outfit can celebrate their return to the competition by seeing off Newell’s Old Boys in the opening leg of the first stage of qualification.

The Brazilian hosts made the last eight in 2015 and their dominance on home soil should ensure they take a lead to Argentina next month.

Atletico have lost just one of their last 15 outings at their Curitiba base and although the Brazilian top-flight doesn’t kick-off until Sunday, they have been keeping busy in the Paranaense 1 and the Copa do Brasil and certainly won’t be lacking for match fitness.

Fernando Diniz’s men have toppled Sao Paulo and Coritiba at home already this month and should be full of confidence given Newell’s Old Boys poor form on the road.

The Argentinian side find only five teams below them in their domestic division and they are without a win on their travels since November – a run stretching to nine games.

They have scored just once in four away outings and look up against it.

Ederson carries Atletico’s biggest attacking threat and he can help sink the visitors, who have kept just two clean sheets in their last 17 matches.

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Atletico PR
1pt 10-13 188Bet

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