Grêmio vs Palestino – News and Probable Lineups

On Wednesday, Gremio will take on Palestino at Arena do Gremio in the fifth round of the Copa Sudamericana Group F. The Tricolor aim to secure the top position in their group to guarantee a direct spot in the last 16, while the Chileans are under pressure due to an inconsistent campaign in the tournament.

After a scoreless draw in Santiago, expectations are high for this crucial fixture in Porto Alegre. Gremio will leverage their home advantage as they look to affirm their favorites’ status, while Palestino hopes to cause an upset, keeping their qualification dreams alive.

Match overview

Currently, Gremio is in second place in Group F with seven points collected from four games. However, their domestic league status is less encouraging.

In the Brasileiro, the Gaucho team sits 15th with 18 points, and their recent 1-1 draw at Bahia’s Fonte Nova stadium only highlighted their struggles in the league.

Previously, Gremio triumphed over Deportivo Riestra with a 3-0 scoreline in Buenos Aires, with goals from Carlos Vinicius, Francis Amuzu, and Martin Braithwaite. Under the guidance of Luis Castro, Gremio usually adopts a 4-3-3 formation, maintaining an average possession rate of nearly 70% in the tournament.

The first match-up in Santiago ended without goals, notable for three missed penalties from Carlos Vinicius. Now, with home ground advantage, Gremio seeks a victory to ascend to the top of the group and move closer to securing a spot in the last 16. The support from the fans at Arena could be pivotal during this critical phase in the group.

Palestino has had an uneven run in their domestic league, currently sitting ninth in the Primera Division with 17 points. Their latest league performance saw them score five against La Serena as visitors.

Their international competition journey has been even more challenging. Palestino has only two points, placing them at the bottom of Group F, still yet to find the net in this season’s tournament.

Coach Guillermo Farre typically organizes Palestino in a 4-1-4-1 formation, focusing on maintaining a compact defense. Nelson Da Silva is regarded as their main attacking threat and highest scorer this season.

The challenge ahead for Palestino in Porto Alegre is unique, as they have never faced Gremio outside of Chile. They require a positive outcome away from home to preserve their hopes of qualification—another setback could lead to their exit at the group stage.

Team News

As Gremio approaches this match, they have concerns regarding their midfield: Arthur is questionable due to a Grade I injury to his right thigh, while Juan Nardoni is out with a Grade II injury affecting his left thigh.

Additionally, Marlon, Joao Pedro, and Gabriel Grando remain unavailable, though there is a possibility of Mathias Villasanti returning, as well as Cristian Pavon after serving a suspension.

On the other hand, Palestino is in a positive mood following their 5-1 victory over La Serena, but they will be without center-back Fernando Meza, who is suspended after receiving a red card in the first leg. Jason Leon is anticipated to take his place at full-back, while Enzo Roco and Vicente Espinoza are expected to partner at the center of defense.

Julian Fernandez is set to return to enhance midfield options for Guillermo Farre. Nicolas Meza is likely to anchor the midfield, with Francisco Montes and Sebastian Gallegos taking the playmaking roles.

Bryan Carrasco and Cesar Munder are expected to provide width, with Ronnie Fernandez anticipated to lead the attack in place of Nelson Da Silva.

Gremio probable starting XI:

Weverton; Pavon, Gustavo, Viery, Gabriel; Perez, Erick, Mec; Enamorado, Vinicius, Amuzu

Palestino probable starting XI:

Perez; Garguez, Espinoza, Roco, Leon; Gallegos, Meza, Montes; Carrasco, Munder, Fernandez

The Tricolor return to Arena in a very different circumstance compared to the Brasileiro. With seven points in Group F, Luis Castro’s team is energized by their 3-0 triumph against Deportivo Riestra in Buenos Aires last round—a display that showcased clear attacking superiority against a compact defensive structure. At home, with Carlos Vinicius likely to feature alongside the attacking trio of Enamorado, Amuzu, and Gabriel Mec out wide, the hosts are expected to dominate possession and create chances.

Having already been mathematically eliminated following a 1-0 defeat in Montevideo, Palestino arrives in Porto Alegre with nothing left to contest and continues to be without a goal in four group-stage matches. Despite the 5-1 win against Deportes La Serena providing some encouragement for Guillermo Farre’s tenure, their defensive frailties were laid bare in a 6-1 loss to Universidad Catolica in the league.

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