Gremio - Estudiantes de La Plata predictions and free betting tips [08/06/2024]

On Sunday, June 9, in a rescheduled match of the sixth round of the Copa Libertadores, Gremio will host Estudiantes on their home turf. The Tricolour have already secured a spot in the playoffs, but a win will allow them to take first place in Group C; however, the Argentine side has long lost any chances of progressing further. 

Expected Line-ups

Gremio: Marchesin; Joao Pedro, Eli, Kannemann, Reinaldo; Pepê, Dodi; Everton, Cristaldo, Soteldo; Costa.  
Estudiantes: Mansilla; Mancuso, Romero, Lollo, Meza; Ascacibar, Perez, Palacios, Sosa; Setre, Correa.  

Gremio

In the last round of the continental tournament, Gremio claimed a crucial 1-0 victory over Huachipato thanks to a goal from Diego Costa. Renato Portaluppi's team needed a positive result to avoid elimination from the tournament, and they succeeded, securing a playoff spot. The Black and Blue have nine points, having played one game less than the teams in first and third places. The Brazilians need a victory in Saturday’s match against Estudiantes to finish first, as they trail The Strongest by just one point. It is worth noting that Gremio has won three of their last five home games, with two losses. 

The coaching staff is concerned that their players have failed to score in three of their last five games in all competitions. Gremio will be without Paraguayan midfielder Mathias Villasanti, who has been called up for his national team in the upcoming Copa America. Due to injuries, Pedro Geromel, Andre Henrique, Lucas Meza, Jonathan Robert, and Cristian Pavon will also be absent. Costa has returned from a minor knock and scored the decisive goal in the last round, so he should lead the line on Sunday. Wingers Soteldo and Everton will provide creativity on the flanks, while Eli and Kannemann will form the central defence.  

Estudiantes

Last Monday, Estudiantes drew 1-1 with Godoy Cruz in the Argentine Championship: after Vicente Poggi’s goal on the 24th minute, it seemed Eduardo Dominguez's team would suffer their third consecutive defeat in all competitions, but Zaid Romero restored parity four minutes before the end. Los Pincharratas have already lost their chances to reach the playoffs in the Copa Libertadores despite still having one game left in the group stage. The Argentines have four points from five matches and are four points behind Huachipato. It is important to note that the visitors have won just two of their last eight away games (with five losses). 

Estudiantes have scored in all of their last five matches in all competitions and will try to do so again on Sunday evening. Chilean midfielder Javier Altamirano, who has been sidelined since March with a severe head injury, is expected to be absent. Guido Carrillo also remains unavailable due to a hip injury until the end of this month. Consequently, experienced strikers Setre and Correa will lead the attack, with Sosa orchestrating play in the midfield. Mancuso and Meza will patrol the defensive flanks, while Romero and Lollo will anchor the central defence. Mansilla will likely wear the goalkeeper’s gloves.  

Head-to-Head

In the first round of the continental tournament, Gremio triumphed in Argentina with a 1-0 scoreline. In 2018, these teams also met in the Round of 16, with the Brazilian club emerging victorious over two legs.

Prediction for Gremio vs Estudiantes

After losing their first two matches in this season’s Copa Libertadores, Gremio has found their form and secured three consecutive wins. The hosts will aim to secure the top spot with a win and will not leave things to chance on the pitch. Estudiantes, on the other hand, have already lost all hopes of making it to the Round of 16 and are in a slump, having not won any of their last three matches. I see no surprises here and predict a triumph for the Black and Blue.