Grêmio vs Cuiabá Prediction: The Gaúchos want their second win in a row

After two straight defeats, one at home to Huachipato in the Copa Libertadores and the other away to Vasco in the Brasileirão, Grêmio beat Athletico Paranaense 2-0 at the Arena. It was an important win for the Immortal, as another defeat could considerably lower the team's confidence. The players can breathe better now, and since they're playing at home again, it's within their grasp to make it two wins in a row.

The Gaúchos' defense has been their weak spot since last season, but this time, the team was perfect at the back against Athletico. Grêmio didn't allow the opposition to create much of a threat, and none of the Paranaenses' four shots were on target. Cristaldo and Soteldo scored the home side's goals, and the fans left the Arena do Grêmio satisfied. If they beat Cuiabá, the Gaúchos will travel to Argentina more confident for a decisive Copa Libertadores match next week.

The Round 2 match between Cuiabá and Vitória has been postponed because the Dourado is in the Copa Verde semi-finals, a parallel regional competition featuring teams from the north and central west of Brazil. Cuiabá lost the first leg 2-0 at Vila Nova, a Goiânia club that plays in the Série B and has shown that it is still far from the competitive level it showed last year. In the only match played in the Brasileirão, the Matogrosso do Sul side suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat against Athletico-PR and will now face Grêmio with low confidence. To make it worse, Deyverson has been ruled out for disciplinary reasons and will not play.

Grêmio is the favorite for this home fixture. The victory in its previous game against Athletico Paranaense was a relief, and the players have regained confidence. On the other side will be Cuiabá, which, in its last two games, one for the Brasileirão and the other for the Copa Verde, has conceded six goals and scored none. The Mato-Grossenses haven't shown positive signs lately, so I don't think I should bet on a surprise.