Grêmio vs The Strongest Prediction: Can Grêmio win without competing for a month?

The floods that ravaged the state of Rio Grande do Sul for weeks caused enormous damage in the region and ended up affecting Brazilian football as well. The CBF had to suspend the Brasileirão due to the inability of the Rio Grande do Sul sides to compete. Grêmio and Internacional couldn't train as the pitches of their training centers and stadiums were underwater. Porto Alegre Airport stopped operating, making the situation even more complicated. Conmebol also suspended the Grêmio matches, which now has two games in hand in the Copa Libertadores.

The Immortal hasn't competed since April 30, when it faced Operário in a Copa do Brasil match. The Gaúchos moved to São Paulo, where they spent ten days preparing for the match with The Strongest. The team can't yet use its training center and stadium, which were severely damaged by the floods. As it is impossible to play at the Arena, Grêmio will play its next games as host in Curitiba. The standings in Copa Libertadores Group C are atypical due to the canceled matches. The Strongest leads the table with ten points from five games. With four matches played, Huachipato and Estudiantes follow with five and four points, respectively. Grêmio is last with three points but has only played three times. The Brazilians need points and will be looking to win despite their lack of competitive rhythm.

The Tiger leads the Primera División's Torneo Clausura, alongside Bolívar, with ten points from four rounds. San Antonio Bulo Bulo surprisingly won the Apertura Tournament. The Strongest was eliminated in the semi-finals of the Apertura by Universitario de Vinto in a penalty shootout. The La Paz side has already qualified for the Copa Libertadores knockout stage and will secure first place in the group if it wins against Grêmio. A draw could also be enough for the Bolivians if Huachipato fails to win its two remaining matches.

There is no way of anticipating how Grêmio will perform after a month without competing. The physical capacity of the players probably won't be ideal, but the desire to play again and win could compensate. The Strongest will be looking for at least a draw, which could be enough to finish top of the group. Considering the game will take place in Curitiba, and the last time the Brazilians played was a month ago, the odds seem too low for a Grêmio victory. Under normal conditions, Grêmio would be the favorite, but the team's current form is unknown. The odds for a Double Chance in favor of The Strongest are attractive, and that's the bet I will take. A draw would suit the Bolivians, the leaders of the group.