Criciuma vs Gremio Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

Brazil, Brazil Serie A, Sunday, August 25th, 20:00 (UK)

The Brasileirão fixtures are coming thick and fast which means our South American expert, Nathan Joyes, provides his Criciuma vs Gremio prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.

Criciuma were firm favourites for relegation at the start of the campaign but their home form has kept their heads firmly above water. Their ex-Premier League forward has also championed their performances in the Brasileirao. Gremio’s away form has improved, but a midweek trip to the Maracana may result in some tired legs on their weekend travels.

• Criciuma vs Gremio Tip 1: BTTS Yes

• Criciuma vs Gremio Tip 2: Yannick Bolasie to score

• Criciuma vs GremioTip 3: Criciuma to win either half

Criciuma vs Gremio Prediction 1: Goals apiece

Serie A new boys continue to keep their head just above the water in their fight for survival. However, it has been their recent form that has dragged them four points clear of the relegation spots.

One loss in five, which came against 2nd place Fortaleza on the road (1-0), shows Criciuma are beginning to find their feet in the Brasileirao. Wins against Juventude away from home and Mineiro at home aren’t results to ignore.

It’s been even better at home long term, with the club now eight games unbeaten in front of their own fans. Wins over Cruzeiro and Botafogo caught the eye.

They now face a Gremio side that heads into this tie after a midweek Libertadores match against Fluminense. They’ll no doubt be tired after a hectic period, and Criciuma will be looking to keep their fine goalscoring run going.

Having only failed to score in one home match, Criciuma are a safe bet to score. However, Gremio’s young attacking talents alongside Martin Braithwaite up top, will have plenty to say. They head into this having scored five in their last two league games on the road, so expect the away side to have plenty of opportunities in front of goal.

• Criciuma vs Gremio Prediction 1: BTTS Yes
• Best Odds: 1.950
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Criciuma vs Gremio Prediction 2: Back Bolasie to score

Many might have thought Yannick Bolasie’s move to Brazil was nothing more than a publicity stunt, or a way to see out his career and not contribute too much to a side expected to be relegated.

However, people couldn’t have been more wrong. The former Crystal Palace winger has been the star of the show, contributing with six league goals – including a brace last time out at home vs Vasco.

The 35-year-old hasn’t lost his pace, nor his strength, as he continues to bully defenders and make darting runs into the box – something we’ve seen throughout his career.

South American defenders are struggling to cope with Bolasie’s presence. He’s clearly enjoying life in Brazil, and enjoying his football once again. Trusted to lead the line, he will be Criciuma’s main hope of survival.

Against an old-looking defence that may be tired from their midweek trip to the Maracana, Bolasie can continue his goalscoring form and drag his new club further away from the relegation zone.

• Criciuma vs Gremio Prediction 2: Yannick Bolasie to score
• Best Odds: 3.050
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 5/10

Criciuma vs Gremio Prediction 3: Value with the hosts

In four of Criciuma’s last five home matches, they have won either half and that will be my final play in this particular column.

Although they haven’t been able to see out as many games as they’d like, on the flip side, they have shown plenty of fight to rescue key points from losing positions.

Goals haven’t been an issue, and more often than not, they are set up to try and dominate the opening 45 minutes, catching the so-called “bigger teams” off guard.

That’s why they have beaten Cruzeiro, Mineiro and Botafogo so far this season – three teams expected to finish at least in the top six.

Gremio have picked up in recent weeks, and the addition of Braithwaite will make them dangerous – but Cricuma have shown they are capable of dominating at home. They may have lost three games back-to-back-to-back earlier on in the campaign, but a change of tactics, making them more attacking, has worked.

Gremio will be weary after their hectic schedule, while Criciuma head into this fixture with a week of rest behind them.

• Criciuma vs Gremio Prediction 3: Criciuma to win either half
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: 
• Stake: 6/10

Criciuma vs Gremio Prediction odds via bet365 as at 10:00, August 20th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Criciuma vs Gremio Injuries and Possible Lineups: Hosts refreshed

Criciuma head into their fixture against Gremio with no fresh injury concerns to worry about. Marcelo Hermes was suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, but will return to the squad for this match.

At the time of writing, Gremio do not have any key players out injured or suspended, but keep an eye on their Libertadores match vs Fluminense to see if any players might miss out on their weekend fixture.

Criciuma possible starting lineup:
Gustavo; Trauco, Angel, Figueiredo, Claudinho, Hermes, Mateus, Newton, Meritao, Citadin, Bolasie

Gremio possible starting lineup:
Marchesin; Reinaldo, Jemerson, Ely, Pedro, Dodi, Villasanti, Soteldo, Cristaldo, Pavon, Braithwaite

Match Stats

• Criciuma are unbeaten at home in their last eight matches and have only failed to score in one game this season in front of their own fans.
• Criciuma have scored two goals at home in five home matches this season.
• Yannick Bolasie has scores six league goals in his debut season in Brazil.

Safer Gambling

At bettingexpert, we always take a safe approach to gambling. We’ll never bet more than we can afford or chase losses. For more advice, head to our Safer Gambling hub.