Gremio can grind Defensor into submission in Copa Libertadores

Copa Libertadores
11.15pm Wednesday

Uruguayans Defensor Sporting can secure third spot in Copa Libertadores Group A and a place in the Copa Sudamericana with a win against Gremio but the hosts will have other ideas and can win the group with a convincing home victory.

Three points for the away side at the Arena do Gremio coupled with a Monagas defeat to Cerro Porteno would see them progress to the continent’s subsidiary competition but their form in front of goal renders that unlikely.

Sporting have drawn blanks in three of their last four games in all competitions and are performing poorly domestically, sitting bottom of Serie B in the Torneo Intermedio in Uruguay, having lost two of their opening three games.

Gremio won their third Copa Libertadores title last year, defeating Lanus 3-1 on aggregate in the final, and they can set up an easier draw in the first knockout phase with victory on the final matchday in Group A.

They have impressed at both ends of the pitch, netting 12 goals in their five group games this term and boasting the tightest defence in the competition, conceding just twice.

The hosts have already chalked up 4-0 and 5-0 demolitions of Monagas and second-placed Cerro Porteno respectively in their two home games in the competition this season and can round off an impressive start to their 2018 Libertadores campaign in this clash, potentially ending Defensor’s pursuit of continental glory in the process.

Recommendation
Gremio to win to nil
2pts 17-20 Hills

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