Vasco da Gama vs Grêmio Prediction: Can Grêmio survive the "Cauldron"?

The old São Januário stadium is sold out for this match between Vasco da Gama and Grêmio. In true Brazilian fashion, the loyal "torcida" of the Hill's Giant will sing, jump, and shout for their team. Grêmio, which struggled away from home last year, will have to overcome the "Cauldron" as Vasco's stadium is known.

This season, the Cruzmaltino is hoping for a more peaceful one. The suffering lasted until the end of the Brasileirão. Vasco avoided relegation with an 82nd-minute goal scored by Serginho. This year, the club was eliminated by Nova Iguaçu in the semi-finals of the Carioca when it was the favorite to reach the final. That was Vasco's last game almost a month ago. Ramón Diaz will have a lot of work to do to satisfy Vasco's demanding fans. It's a big club, but it does not have the financial capacity of the rival clubs from Rio de Janeiro. The team is scrappy and will give everything to get a good result against Grêmio, although the team's star, Payet, is doubtful to be available due to injury.

The Immortal was stunned at home by Huachipato in its last Copa Libertadores match. It was the second defeat in two games in the competition, and now the Gaúchos' qualification for the knockout stage is in jeopardy. The departure of Luis Suárez is impossible to fill. Diego Costa was signed to replace the Uruguayan, but there is no comparison. Pavón and Soteldo complete the attacking trio, but last season's defensive problems remain unsolved. The second place seems unlikely to be repeated this year. Last season, Grêmio lost at the São Januário, so getting a point would be positive.

Vasco is a tough team to beat at its stadium but will probably play without Payet, its best player. Vasco hasn't played a game in almost a month and could lack competitive rhythm. The Gaúchos are coming from a devastating defeat but must react, so a draw is not out of the question. I'm betting on a Double Chance favorable to Grêmio de Porto Alegre.