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Atletico Mineiro will not be underestimating Gremio Barueri as they seek to maintain top spot in the Campeonato Brasileiro this weekend.

The 'Galo' lead the national championship with 17 points, three above Internacional, who host Coritiba on Sunday.

Atletico coach Celso Roth said: "Barueri were only promoted to the top flight this season (but) they have a very skilled squad. We have to respect them, as we do with the other teams."

Internacional are seeking to bounce back from their defeat in the Recopa Sudamericana to Libertadores Cup holders LDU Quito this week and boss Tite is considering changing his team around to field a mixed squad.

Vitoria challenge Santo Andre hoping to hold on to third place.

Fourth-placed Palmeiras will be looking to kick-start their challenge for the title against derby rivals Santos after bowing out of the Libertadores Cup at the semi-final stage to Uruguayan side Nacional.

Midfielder Diego Souza said: "The Libertadores is part of the past. The elimination hurt us a lot. But we have a derby ahead and we need to win it as we are in a good spot in the standings. We need to climb to the top places so that will give us the strength to play the Brasileirao," said Souza.

Santos defender Paulo Henrique Rodrigues believes some members of the squad need to pull their weight if they are to climb the table.

"We have a good system; we reached the Campeonato Paulista finals with it," Rodrigues said.

"Our biggest problem is that some players are comfortable in their places and leave all the hard work to the men of the back."

Corinthians visit Atletico Paranaense but with their mind on the Copa do Brasil finals with Internacional that kick off next week.

"Everybody wants the Copa do Brasil title, which is very close. This is my objective and the team's," said midfielder Cristian.

Flamengo striker Adriano is confident in defeating arch-rivals Fluminense to continue the good spell.

"I hope we can play a good game and bring happiness to our fans. We came from an important victory and we have to continue that way," said the former Inter Milan forward.

In other matches, three-time reigning champions Sao Paulo welcome Nautico, Cruzeiro meet Avai, Botafogo play Goias and Sport host Gremio.