Gremio - The Strongest predictions and free betting tips [29/05/2024]

In the rescheduled fifth-round group stage match of the Copa Libertadores, taking place on Thursday, 30 May, Gremio will face off against Strongest at their temporary home in Curitiba. While the majority of the state of Rio Grande do Sul is still recovering from floods, Gremio will play their next four home matches in Curitiba.

Gremio

Gremio is the only team in the Copa Libertadores to have played just three matches in this year's tournament. In their previous outing, they drew with Operario PR in the Copa do Brasil, marking the second consecutive game where they failed to score. Additionally, the black and blue team has only netted four times in their last four league matches.

Diego Costa, brought in to replace Luis Suarez, has yet to hit peak form and received his first red card against Bahia last month. Currently, Gremio is at the bottom of Group C with three points from three games. However, the Brazilian side did secure their first tournament win, defeating Estudiantes 0-1 in Argentina a few weeks ago. It is worth noting that Renato Gaucho's side has only lost once in their last 14 home games, with the last two being clean victories. 

Strongest

Strongest has not been affected by match rescheduling in the Copa Libertadores and is on the verge of securing the top spot in the group. The team has been in excellent form recently, entering the final group stage match unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions. Their only loss in the last 12 games was to Universitario de Vinto in the Bolivian Primera Division semi-final in April.

Spanish coach Ismael Rescalvo has had an impressive start, going unbeaten in his first five matches after replacing Pablo Lavallen earlier this month. Rescalvo also secured his first continental victory, defeating Huachipato 4-0 at home a few weeks ago. An interesting fact about the visitors is that they have kept a clean sheet in their last five away games across all competitions. 

Head-to-Head

In the first round, Strongest won 2-0 at an altitude of 3,502 metres above sea level in La Paz, thanks to goals from Luciano Ursino and Enrique Triverio.

Prediction for Gremio vs Strongest

Despite being favourites, it will be interesting to see how Gremio perform after a month-long hiatus due to floods and the relocation of their home ground to Curitiba. The visitors have been formidable in this Copa Libertadores, boasting one of the most solid defensive lines among all teams. Hence, betting on a +2 handicap for the Bolivian giants seems sensible.

Total Goals Prediction

Strongest haven't conceded in their last five away matches, while Gremio are still far from their best after an extended break. Betting on Gremio's individual total under 2.5 seems rational.

Corners Prediction

One thing that can be almost guaranteed is that Gremio will dominate possession. Betting on a -3.5 handicap in corners for the Brazilian side is advisable.

Yellow Cards Prediction

Neither team is known for incurring many fouls, so betting on a total under 3.5 yellow cards seems safe (only two were shown in the first round).

Score Prediction

I predict a 1-1 draw.