Criciúma vs Grêmio Prediction: Both teams need points

Criciuma and Grêmio are separated by one point and fighting to escape relegation, so this match is crucial for both sides. The Gaúchos were knocked out of the Copa Libertadores this week and can now focus exclusively on the Brasileirão, where they are in 15th place. Finishing in the top six will be difficult, so returning to the Copa Libertadores next year seems unlikely.

In the last round, the Tiger drew 2-2 at home to Vasco da Gama. When it looked like defeat was inevitable, Yannick Bolasie scored his second goal in the 94th minute to give Criciúma a point. Cláudio Tencati's men have only once failed to score goals in league matches, but they are permeable defensively. Criciúma is the fourth worst defense in the Brasileirão. The Catarinenses will be looking to take advantage of some fatigue from Grêmio, who had an intense game in midweek.

The Immortal lost on penalties to Fluminense and is out of the Copa Libertadores. After a 2-1 win in the first leg, Grêmio got off to a bad start at the Maracanã and were 2-0 down after 28 minutes. The Gaúchos reacted in the second half, and after seeing a goal from Jemerson disallowed for offside, reduced the deficit to 2-1 through Gustavo Nunes in the 76th minute. The score remained unchanged, and the teams had to decide their passage to the quarter-finals on penalties. Fluminense was more effective from the penalty spot and qualified for the next stage of the competition. Renato Portaluppi's team must overcome the tough defeat and continue to focus on the league, where the situation is far from comfortable.

After being eliminated from the Copa Libertadores, Grêmio must focus on the league and getting away from the relegation zone. The club needs to move up to positions more suited to its stature, so it needs to start producing more consistent results. The Gaúchos will travel to Criciúma to win, but the opposition will not make it easy. Criciúma is competent offensively but is weak at the back. I'm betting on a Double Chance for Grêmio with a maximum of four goals scored in the match.