Huachipato - Gremio predictions and free betting tips [05/06/2024]

On Wednesday, 5 June, in a rescheduled fifth round group stage match of the Copa Libertadores, Huachipato will host Gremio. A win for the home team could propel them to the top of Group C, while a loss for the visitors would eliminate their chances of advancing to the playoffs. 

Stadium

The match will take place at the Huachipato Acero Stadium in Talcahuano.

Huachipato

Huachipato climbed to second place in Group C after a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Estudiantes last week. In the first half, the white-blues surged ahead with a goal from Rodriguez and an own goal by Romero. However, by the 63rd minute, the score was tied 3-3, and only a late strike by Villanueva in added time secured the three points for the Chilean side. Thanks to this triumph, the hosts have accumulated eight points, two points ahead of Gremio, who have a game in hand, and two points behind group leaders Strongest, who have played all their matches. Should the Steelmen succeed on Wednesday night, they could finish first in the group and advance to the Round of 16 for the first time in their history. It's important to note that Huachipato's home performance hasn't been ideal, with just two wins in their last eight fixtures.

However, the home fans will be pleased to know that their favourites have conceded more than one goal in just two of their last 14 matches across all competitions. Huachipato likely won't be able to count on Chilean forward Cris Martinez, who was substituted due to injury in the last game against Estudiantes. Maximiliano Rodriguez, who opened the scoring in Argentina, is expected to be in the starting lineup again, and attacking midfielder Gonzalo Montes, who was suspended last week, will join him. Silva and Sepulveda will anchor the white-blue midfield, while Loyola and Diaz will feature on the defensive flanks.

Gremio

Gremio had much less prep time for this match, having played a league game on Saturday, where they lost 0-2 to Bragantino. Eric Ramirez scored in the early stages, and Luan Cândido converted a penalty in the 60th minute. In the continental competition, the black-blues played their fourth group stage match just last week due to devastating floods in their home state. After losing the first two matches, the Brazilians won their next two fixtures against Estudiantes and Strongest, gathering six points to sit in third place. Gremio must secure at least a point on Wednesday night to keep their playoff hopes alive. A failure would mean they even risk missing out on the Copa Sudamericana if they lose to Estudiantes in the sixth round.

It's also important to note that Renato Gaucho’s side haven't fared well away from home this spring, managing just two wins in their last ten away matches. Gremio's squad is lacking five players: Pedro Geromel, Andre Henrique, Lucas Mila, and Jonatha Robert are recovering from injuries and are expected to be out until next month, while Cristian Pavon is sidelined for a few days with a thigh bruise. However, the experienced Diego Costa should return to the starting lineup to lead the attack after missing the recent league match due to suspension. Veterans Everton and Soteldo will assist him on the wings, while Montes will orchestrate play in the central midfield.

Head-to-Head

The teams have faced each other three times, with Huachipato winning twice, including a 0-2 away victory in April.

Huachipato vs Gremio prediction

Huachipato have drawn both of their home matches in this Copa Libertadores campaign and have never lost to Gremio. Additionally, the white-blues had much more preparation time for the duel, while the Brazilian team is still trying to find their optimal form after a lengthy break caused by the flooding in their state. I will take a risk and predict that the hosts will at least avoid defeat on Wednesday night.

Total Goals Prediction

Gremio failed to score in three of their last four matches in all competitions, and it's unlikely that the Brazilian team will break through in Chile. I predict their individual total (ITU) under 1.5 goals.