Copa Libertadores
River Plate vs Gremio Preview
The first leg of the 2018 Copa Libertadores semifinal between River Plate and Gremio takes place in Buenos Aires.
In the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Gremio is coming from two draws and lost to Palmeiras. Palmeiras who holds first place in standings in Série A.
Meanwhile, River Plate took a 1-0 loss away against Colon.
Currently, Las Gallinas stand 10th in the Argentinian Primera Division while Gremio is fifth.
Team News
Despite their defeat against Colon, River Plate are in great form to face Gremio.
Los Millonarios have heavily relied on their strong home form throughout this Copa Libertadores season.
Goalkeeper Franco Armani could return to action following an injury down time.
Additionally, Exequiel Palacios, Juan Quintero and Gonzalo Martinez will likely return to Marcelo Gallardo’s starting eleven.
Nonetheless, Gallardo’s options at front are with Lucas Pratto, Rafael Borre and Ignacio Scocco.
On the other side, Gremio are the defending Copa Libertadores champions with a bad run of form.
Gremio boss Renato Gaucho rested several of his star players against America Mineiro.
Goalkeeper Mercelo Grohe, Pedro Geromel, Walter Kannemann, Cicero and Maicon all will likely return to action against River.
Nonetheless, Luan and Everton have been ruled out. These losses come at a bad time for the Porto Alegre side as they are losing their goal-scoring power.
Predicted Lineups
River Plate Starting XI: Armani; Montiel, Maidana, Pinola, Casco; Quintero/Fernandez, Palacios, Ponzio, Pity Martinez; Borre y Scocco.
Gremio Starting XI: Grohe; Leonardo, Geromel, Kannemann, Cortez; Maicon, Cicero, Ramiro, Alisson, Pepe; Jael.
Prediciton
River Plate are incredibly difficult to defeat at home. They have a great advantage over the defending champions in this sense. Additionally, Rive doesn’t rely on one player for goals which benefits their side.
However, Gremio are missing their best attackers and that hurts. The odds are in favor of River Plate.
Nonetheless, in Brazil many are suggesting that Gremio has more than enough to defeat River at home. At least come out with a draw and return home with hopes of having injured players back in shape.
Additionally, everyone in Brazil hopes to have a Brazilian final which is also what Argentinians are hoping for with a Clasico at hand with Boca Juniors on the other side of the coin.
River Plate 2 – 1 Gremio
Follow us on Twitter and YouTube
Photo credit to Somos Telam via Flickr
