Grêmio vs Palmeiras Prediction: Grêmio will try to beat the champion

After two months without a league win, Grêmio defeated Fluminense. Although the club is still in the relegation zone, it has renewed some hope. The Gaúchos spent 43 days without training in Porto Alegre due to the floods that damaged the state of Rio Grande do Sul, completely disrupting their professional and family lives. The team now plays in Caxias do Sul but can train at home, which provides more stability.

The Immortal beat Fluminense 1-0 at the Centenário stadium, its home for the foreseeable future. Gustavo Nunes scored in the 61st minute after a good move by the Gaúchos down the right flank. Grêmio fully deserved the result as it was the only team willing to win the game. Fluminense's performances have been awful for a club of its magnitude. Renato Portaluppi's team is in 18th place with ten points but has two games in hand. It would be excellent to get at least a point against Palmeiras. The Gaúchos need to gain confidence, and a good result against the champion would be significant.

It won't be easy for Palmeiras to beat Grêmio. The Derby Paulista left some wounds, and several players will miss the game in Caxias do Sul. Raphael Veiga. Zé Rafael and Gabriel Menino are suspended and won't be able to help their teammates. All three are central midfielders, which will weaken the team. Palmeiras beat Corinthians 2-0 in a derby without a goal in the first half. Fabinho in the 53rd minute and Vítor Reis in the 57th minute scored the goals for the Verdão. Raphael Veiga saw the red card in the 63rd minute after shoving an opponent, but Corinthians couldn't even reduce the deficit. Palmeiras remains one point behind Flamengo but is now in second place. 

If we look exclusively at the standings, it's clear that Palmeiras is the favorite to win, but the champion's task may not be so simple. Grêmio returned to training in Porto Alegre after 43 days away and won in the last round, something that hadn't happened for two months. There's more optimism among the Gaúchos, who will be looking to pick up a point against Palmeiras. The Paulistas will be missing several key players, especially in midfield. I'm leaning towards a surprise and will take my chances with a draw.