Ipatinga vs Villa Nova - Mineiro - 2

The Mineiro - 2 returns to the home ground on June 17, 2026, where Ipatinga and Villa Nova will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Chelsea vs Tottenham: Line-ups confirmed for pre-season clash in Sydney.

Both camps will view the Mineiro - 2 meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. Ipatinga's recent form is difficult to quantify, but the occasion itself should bring the best out of them. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. In his latest column, Paul Merson predicts the 2026/27 Premier League season at both ends of the table.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both Ipatinga and Villa Nova have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. Moving the Dane on frees up space and gives the Partenopei greater room to press ahead with their incoming transfer plans.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. That was a modest score compared to the seven that Feyenoord racked up at PEC Zwolle but PSV's 4-1 win over Sparta Rotterdam was arguably the most significant.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. It is understood that his next move is most likely to take him abroad - and potentially to the Premier League.