Grêmio vs Fluminense Prediction: Who will win this Brazilian duel?

Grêmio and Fluminense are having a very disappointing season and are fighting to avoid relegation in the league. The two clubs see the Copa Libertadores as a way to save their season. Fluminense holds the trophy, while Grêmio has won the competition on three occasions, most recently in 2017.

The Immortal has been doing well lately, and in the last round of the Brasileirão defeated Cuiabá 3-1 away. Martin Braithwaite played his first game wearing the Grêmio jersey. The Danish striker scored an own goal in the 52nd minute but reacted like a champion by scoring twice. The Gaúchos are now in 13th place with two games in hand. The gap to the relegation zone is just three points, but four wins and a draw in the last five league matches give the team great confidence. 

The Tricolor das Laranjeiras lost the derby against Vasco da Gama 2-0 and ended a run of four consecutive league wins without conceding a goal. The Cariocas are still in the relegation zone, occupying 18th place in the standings. Fluminense has improved considerably its defensive record since the arrival of Thiago Silva. The former PSG and Chelsea player didn't play against Vasco, showing that he is an irreplaceable player in the team. The captain should return for the Copa Libertadores match against Grêmio, which will probably give his teammates more confidence.

Both teams have improved their performances recently and increased their chances of avoiding relegation. Grêmio and Fluminense have won four of their last five league games, so confidence is high. The Copa Libertadores could save the season for these big clubs, so both coaches prepared the game in detail. Thiago Silva, Fluminense's captain, didn't play against Vasco da Gama, and Renato Portaluppi, Grêmio's coach, decided to field a secondary team against Cuiabá, while the rest of the players trained in Curitiba. The match should be balanced, but I'm leaning towards a Grêmio win. The Gaúchos have a good record when they face Fluminense.