Gremio (Brazil) vs. Deportivo Riestra (Argentina)
Grêmio FBPA got off to a poor start in their Copa Sudamericana campaign. Last week, in an underwhelming match, they were superior to their opponent but ended up losing 1–0 to Montevideo City Torque away at the Estadio Centenario. On Saturday, with some changes in the XI, Luis Castro’s side played out a goalless draw in the Rio Grande do Sul derby away at SC Internacional. O Tricolor Gaúcho sit 12th in the Brasileirao with 13 points from 11 matches. In fact, they are on a five-match winless run across all competitions (two draws and three defeats). On a positive note, they are unbeaten in their last ten home matches, with six wins and four draws.
Deportivo Riestra endured a difficult international debut: in fact, they were fortunate to come away with a point from a hard-fought 0–0 draw against CD Palestino, playing as hosts at San Lorenzo’s stadium. On Saturday, the team also suffered a 1–0 home defeat to Instituto, extending their poor run of form: they are now on an 11-match winless streak across all competitions (seven draws and four losses). In the league, El Malevo have collected seven points from 13 matches, just one point above the relegation zone in the overall table. In fact, Riestra have also gone nine away matches without a win (four draws and five defeats). In addition to Pedro Ramírez and Mariano Bracamonte, who remain injured, head coach Guillermo Duró will rest several more regular starters (such as Alexander Díaz, Nicolás Sansotre, and Cristian Paz, among others) to prioritize the Argentine Torneo Apertura.
Even if Gremio are not on good form, they should be clearly better than this Deportivo Riestra who are winless this season. Also this will be the club’s first ever international game but considering they are fighting to avoid relegation they will prioritize the league and will go to this game with a mixed lineup, so this should be a clear home win.
BET: Gremio -1 @ 1.95