Juventude vs Grêmio Prediction: Expect an exciting Gaúcho classic

Two rival clubs will clash in Caxias do Sul. In the 135 meetings between the two sides from Rio Grande do Sul, Grêmio has won 70 and Juventude 23. On 40 occasions, the classic ended in a draw. The last time the Ju and The Immortal met was in the second leg of the Campeonato Gaúcho final this year. Grêmio won 3-1 after a 0-0 draw in the first leg.

The Verdão still hasn't won on the road, but it wasn't easy to do better in the last game. Juventude lost 2-0 to Bahia against a team that has won all its home fixtures. At the Alfredo Jaconi, where they have yet to lose, the Gaúchos are more competitive. In its last home match, the Ju won 2-1 against the Série A leader, Flamengo, so Grêmio expects a tricky game. Roger Machado's side is in 13th place with 16 points but one game in hand.

The Tricolor was very close to defeating the mighty Palmeiras. The Gaúchos were leading 2-0 but conceded two goals in the 74th and 77th minutes to let victory slip through their fingers. Wonder kid Estevão equalized with a stunning strike from outside the area. Renato Portaluppi's team ended the game in agony, under massive pressure from Palmeiras. If the game lasted a few more minutes, Grêmio would probably have lost. With this point, the Porto Alegre side has 11 points with two games in hand. The Immortal is one point below the relegation line.

It's a game between rivals where anything can happen. Juventude at home has four wins, two draws, and has yet to lose a game. However, the team's confidence may be a little low after two consecutive defeats on the road. The Ju is in 13th place and performing above expectations in the league. Grêmio is below its rival in the standings, occupying 18th place in the relegation zone. The team hasn't lost in its last three matches and seems more stabilized after six straight defeats in the Série A. I'm leaning towards a draw. It won't be easy for Renato Portaluppi's men to play at the Alfredo Jaconi, but the victory in the Campeonato Gaúcho over Juventude could give them some confidence.