Prediction: Corinthians vs Gremio

Verdict: Corinthians win

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to make it three Serie A victories on the bounce, Corinthians will welcome Gremio to the Neo Quimica Arena in the early hours of Friday.

Corinthians

Starting with the hosts, while Corinthians might have shown some extended inconsistencies this season, the Timao do appear to have turned a recent corner. Putting in a gritty performance last weekend as they snatched a 1-0 victory away at Bahia, Ramon Diaz’s men now have their sights set on finding a route into the Copa Sudamericana spots, the Sao Paulo-based outfit have collected consecutive Serie A wins for the first time time this year. Securing a lively 2-1 victory against Criciuma on July 17th, the former River Plate boss will also be excited by his side’s success on home soil. Opening July with an action-packed 3-2 win against Vitoria, Corinthians have lost just one of their previous 14 showdowns at the Neo Quimica Arena – a run that stems all the way back to February 25th.

Team News

All still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Corinthians will once again be unable to call upon the trio of Maycon, Diego Palacios and 24-year-old Ryan Oliveira here. However, after serving a one-match suspension away at Bahia last weekend, former Avai defender Raniele will return to Diaz’s squad.

While 19-year-old Wesley might have been forced to settle for a spot on the bench last week, Corinthians’ academy product could be handed a full recall. Now notching back-to-back Serie A strikes, ex-San Lorenzo striker Angel Romero will have a leading role to play in the early hours of Friday.

Gremio

As for the visitors, while Gremio might have sprung an almighty upset last season as they secured a silver medal finish, the Tricolor have come crashing back down to earth this time around. Despite claiming a much-needed boost last weekend as they claimed a 2-0 victory at home Vitoria, Renato Portaluppi’s men are still firmly at the heart of a Serie A relegation scrap. Currently sat three points adrift of finding a route out of the drop zone, Friday’s guests have also gained a real reputation for their struggles on the road. Last seen on their travels slumping to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sao Paulo, Gremio have collected just a single point from any of their previous six Serie A appearances outside of Porto Alegre. Hit with a 1-0 loss when they last met Corinthians back in November, Portaluppi’s side should face another stern examination here.

Team News

Limping off against Vitoria last weekend after picking up a first-half knock, veteran defender Walter Kannemann is not expected to feature here. Likewise, not making a single appearance across any competition since the start of June, former Chelsea superstar Diego Costa remains on the sidelines.

Featuring for Venezuela at this summer’s Copa America, ex-Santos striker Yeferson Soteldo will spearhead Gremio’s charge this week. Arriving from Spanish outfit Celta Vigo this year, 36-year-old Agustin Marchesin will start between the sticks.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Friday’s opponents last met back on November 12th, Corinthians picked up a 1-0 victory at the Arena do Gremio.
• Corinthians are unbeaten in all of their previous eight meetings against Gremio across all competitions.
• The Timao have collected consecutive Serie A victories for the first time this season.
• Gremio have collected just a single point from any of their previous six Serie A showdowns on the road.
• Corinthians have lost just one of their previous 14 appearances at the Neo Quimica Arena – a run that stems all the way back to February 25th.

Conclusion

Collecting consecutive Serie A victories for the first time this season, Corinthians will be looking to extend on their recent charge here. Smelling the chance to skyrocket into the Copa Sudamericana places, Friday’s hosts will also be excited by their extended success at the Neo Quimica Arena. Losing just one of their last 14 straight matchups in front of their own supporters, they will be confident of cashing in on a Gremio squad that have gained a reputation for their glaring issues on the road.

Verdict: Corinthians win

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet