America de Cali vs Gremio Predictions

• America de Cali have won just 1 of their last 4 games.
• Gremio have won 5 of their last 7 matches.
• Gremio have won 3 of their last 4 Copa Libertadores away games.

America looking to cause an upset

Wednesday’s match is a special one for America de Cali; as they make their return to the Libertadores for the first time since 2009. It’s been a tough time for the club since then, featuring an extended run in the second tier but this game well and truly puts them back on the big stage.

Nonetheless, the Colombians couldn’t have asked for a more difficult group and up against Gremio, Internacional and Universidad Catolica, they are clear favourites for bottom place. The side will desperately need to try and make home advantage count if they are to advance but doing so on Wednesday looks a tough ask, given they’ve won just 1 of their last 4 games.

Gremio looking to get off the mark

Meanwhile, after winning the competition in 2017 and reaching the semi-finals in the two editions since, Gremio are experienced Libertadores custodians and will be looking for another strong run in it this time around. On paper, the Brazilians have everything needed to push for the title and they’ll be itching to get off to a good start in Cali.

With star man Everton still at the club and having made some strong additions to the team, Gremio will be hopeful of a strong year. Recent performances have been solid enough, with 5 wins collected from 7 matches and having won 3 of their last 4 Libertadores away games, there’s no need for Renato Gaucho’s troops to make this trip in an apprehensive state.

Gremio have to be fancied

Ultimately, whilst it’s a huge night for America and the crowd will be behind them, they’re likely to come up a bit short against an opponent as strong as Gremio. The visitors are simply more talented than the hosts all over the pitch and if they play at their maximum, they’ll pick up the 3 points.

All things considered, backing a Gremio win looks a good way to play as far as the betting is concerned and is something we’re more than happy to do. They’ve shown in recent years they can handle hostile atmospheres in continental matches and should be able to do so again here, with a 1-0 margin of away victory on the cards.