Fortaleza vs Grêmio Prediction: Can Grêmio take advantage of Fortaleza's fatigue?

In this upcoming match of Round 25 of the Brasileirão, Fortaleza, and Grêmio, third and eighth in the Série A, respectively, go head-to-head. Theoretically, this is one of the most interesting matches of the round, as both teams have quality. However, the home team's quest to reach the final of the Copa Sudamericana, playing three games in a week, is likely to take some of Fortaleza's key players out of this meeting with Grêmio. The Lion drew 1-1 midweek away against Corinthians in the first leg, and is well positioned in the semi-final. A few days after hosting the Gaúchos in the league, the Cearenses play at home again for the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana semi-finals. The side that could take advantage of Fortaleza's fatigue and possibly reduced intensity is Grêmio, which picked up a big win against Palmeiras and will be confident going into the Castelão.

The Ceará team has everything it takes to reach the final of the Copa Sudamericana for the first time, and so the second leg against Corinthians is unlikely to be out of the players' minds. Fortaleza is only five points behind Grêmio but will probably play with a few substitutes. The Leão do Pici beat São Paulo 2-1 away at the Morumbi in the last round and benefited from the fact that the Paulistas had the final of the Copa do Brasil to play a few days later. Now it's Fortaleza's turn to rest some players, as the match with Corinthians is very important for the club.

A hard-fought win against Palmeiras brought a smile back to the faces of the Gaúchos, who, despite some inconsistent displays, especially in away games, remain in a prominent position in the Série A. Eight points behind Botafogo, the title is theoretically possible, but the team's defensive performance doesn't indicate enough quality to win the Brasileirão. The Immortal has conceded 31 goals in 24 games, a somewhat high figure for a team on the podium. Grêmio hasn't won away from home in five matches and faces a solid team in its stadium. However, the Gaúchos know the Fortaleza's priority is the Copa Sudamericana, so they'll want to take advantage of that.

Grêmio has a golden opportunity to win at the Castelão. Fortaleza is likely to field a very different team than usual. A few days later, the Cearenses will be fighting for a place in the final of the Copa Sudamericana, and they want to be at full strength for the clash against Corinthians. I'm betting on a Double Chance for Grêmio with a maximum of four goals in the match. It would be somewhat disappointing for the Gaúchos to lose this game.