Grêmio vs Goiás Prediction: Grêmio is the favorite against doomed Goiás

After a 4-3 away win against Botafogo, Grêmio looked to have entered the title race. However, two consecutive defeats have pushed the team to four points behind leaders Palmeiras and Flamengo, with just three games left to play in the Brasileirão. The Gaúchos now have two home matches in a row against teams at the bottom of the table, which they must beat to at least finish in the top four. If that happens, Grêmio will go straight into the Copa Libertadores group stage, which would be great for the historic club that played in the Série B last season.

The Immortal saw its dream of becoming champion crumble at the Arena MRV against Atlético Mineiro. A heavy 3-0 defeat again showed that the team is not solid enough defensively to have any greater ambitions. Grêmio has the second-best attack in the competition, but it also has the fourth-worst defense, and without a strong defensive sector, it's very difficult to win titles. Next season, this should be the club's priority in terms of signing new players. The Tricolor is one point off fourth place and could regain it if it beats Goiás and Atlético-MG loses points at the Maracanã in this round's match with Flamengo.

If Esmeraldino loses this fixture against Grêmio, it will be relegated. Seven points behind Vasco da Gama, the first team out of the Z4, Goiás needs to win its three remaining games and hope that the Cariocas pick up a maximum of two points. The Goiânia side failed against Cruzeiro in its last match and lost 1-0, with the Mineiros scoring in the 96th minute. It may have been Goiás' last chance to get back into the fight because now only a miracle will save the club.

Grêmio is the clear favorite for this game. It's true that the last two results haven't been the best, and the title now seems impossible, but there's still direct qualification for the Copa Libertadores group stage at stake. Goiás also only cares about winning, so the team shouldn't just defend and could, therefore, leave spaces for the Gaúchos forwards. I'm backing Grêmio to win with a maximum of four goals scored in the match to increase the odds on a simple bet.