Rosario Central (Argentina) vs Gremio (Brazil)

Rosario Central return to the Copa Libertadores as they were crowned Copa Argentina champions in December, when beating Gimnasia LP on penalties. The side is going through a negative run: they haven’t yet won in 2019, they changed coach just 10 days ago, registered four draws and three defeats in the league, besides having been knocked out of the cup by third-tier side Sol de Mayo on penalties. At home, they booked three stalemates and one defeat to relegation candidates Tigre.

Gremio starts their way to the fourth Copa Libertadores’ title after finishing in the fourth spot of the Brazilian league table in 2018. At the moment, they are holding a ten-match unbeaten streak of seven victories and three draws since losing at Flamengo in November. Their last match was on February 25th, when beating Veranopolis 2-0 at home. As a result, they are topping the Rio Grande do Sul Championship table on 20 points in eight rounds, four above arch-rivals Internacional. On away turf, they are on five games without a loss, having won two and drawn three.

In spite of having faced lower-division clubs lately, Gremio is confident at the moment and Rosario Central will have some important missings like striker Herrera and defenders Caruzzo and Parot due to suspensions and injuries so I like the chances of the Brazilian giants to start their campaign with a win.

BET: Gremio -0.25 @ 1.84