Grêmio vs Fluminense Prediction: Grêmio coach rallies the troops for victory

In Porto Alegre, an exciting game is expected between two of the best teams in the Brasileirão. Along with three other teams, Fluminense occupies second place with 31 points. Grêmio is sixth with 30 but has one less game played, meaning that if they win that game in delay, the Gaúchos will move to second in the league. For that to happen, they cannot lose against Fluminense. Grêmio's performance plummeted after their home defeat to leader Botafogo. Some discouragement took hold of the team while Luis Suárez seemed to be leaning towards leaving the club. Fluminense, meanwhile, looks to be on the opposite trend to their opponents. The Cariocas managed two crucial victories, one against Palmeiras for the league and another against Argentinos Juniors, which qualified the team for the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals.

The unexpected defeat in Rio against Vasco da Gama confirmed the team's bad moment. The players have lost some of the intensity that characterized them, and the team has been a bit amorphous. Grêmio has only won once in a flattering result against Atlético-MG in the last seven matches. Fans will be hoping for a reaction from the team, who has only lost once at home in the league and against the Brasileirão leader. Luis Suárez has not scored for the Immortal for nine games, a dry spell that coincides with the team's lowest moment. Coach Renato Portallupi will rally the troops to ensure the team goes into the game confident of victory.

The Tricolor is in high spirits after two excellent results at the Maracanã in three days. Two late goals against Argentinos Juniors secured qualification for the Brazilians, who had drawn 1-1 in the first leg. Last weekend a win over reigning Champions Palmeiras allowed the team to join the ranks of the runners-up. Fluminense has failed to win away from home since May, the team's major setback this season. Winning at the Grêmio's Arena would be a great achievement. Still, it is a complicated mission, not only because of the quality of the opponent but also because of the wear and tear that the players have suffered in recent games.

The level shown by Grêmio in the defeat with Vasco da Gama was so low that a reaction from the team is likely. The Gaúchos this year have already shown their quality that seems hidden in the last games. Fluminense away from home struggles, and the Arena do Grêmio supporting a wounded home team promises to be a hostile stadium. Considering these factors, I lean more towards a Grêmio win.