Gremio vs Defensor Sporting
Copa Libertadores
Date: Wednesday, 23 May 2018
Kick-Off at 23:15 UK / 00:15 CET
Venue: Arena do Gremio, Porto Alegre.
Gremio eased their way to book the knockout stage of the competition from Group 1, but they are yet to clinch the first-place finish being just a single point above Cerro Porteno in second entering the final day matches.
Imortal Tricolor thus basically have the match-point in the last round in front of the home crowed against the likes of Defensor Sporting who are hoping to stay third and secure the continuation of their continental journey in Copa Sudamericana.
The Uruguayans generally had a disappointing campaign in this term of the competition (their first appearance in four years) as they were nowhere near the battle for the top two spots winning just one of five games so far. They can only lose the third place with a loss here and Monagas’ upset away at Cerro Porteno (almost impossible scenario).
Gremio vs Defensor Sporting: Head-to-head
The two sides met each other in the quarterfinal of the competition back in 2007 when Gremio went through on penalties.
Both teams clinched confident 2-0 wins on the home patch in that tie.
This term’s encounter saw clubs share spoils in a 1-1 draw at Estadio Luis Franzini in Montevideo.
Gremio vs Defensor Sporting: Prediction
Defensor Sporting have huge issues with the efficiency in the final third. They scored just twice in last five games in all competitions, four of which they lost. Given they will be up against the rock-solid defensive line of Gremio’s (the hosts conceded just two goals in five Copa Libertadores fixtures so far), backing Renato Gaucho’s troops to keep a clean sheet is just the best way to go here at the odds of 1.60.
Moving forward, the hosts won four and drew two of last six games across competitions. Knowing that Defensor Sporting lost both of their away ties in this term of Copa Libertadores, it’s really hard to go past the comprehensive home win here.
Gremio vs Defensor Sporting: Bet Tips
- Gremio to keep a clean sheet @ 1.60
- Gremio -1.5 handicap @ 1.80.
