Preview: Gremio vs. Fortaleza - prediction, team news, lineups

Two sides at opposite ends of the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A table will face each other on Monday, as basement club Gremio host third-placed Fortaleza.

The visitors are hoping to avoid successive league defeats for the first time since February, while Gremio have failed to win any of their last eight games across all competitions.

Match preview

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Gremio are still searching for their first league win of the campaign, but they were able to claim their first point when they drew 2-2 at home to Santos on Friday.

The Immortal Tricolor twice lead through strikes from Diego Souza and Matheus Henrique, but goals from Marcos Guilherme and Marinho ensured a share of the spoils.

Gremio remain at the foot of the table, two points adrift from safety, however they do have two games in hand on the vast majority of teams in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A.

In addition, the 2021 season is very much in its infancy and head coach Tiago Nunes will not be too concerned just yet, though he will be hoping that performances improve quickly.

Gremio have failed to win any of their last three meetings with Fortaleza, but a victory on Monday could see them climb off the bottom of the table and out of the relegation zone.

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Fortaleza's 15-game unbeaten run across all competitions finally came to an end on Wednesday, when they were beaten 2-1 away at current league champions Flamengo.

A brace from Bruno Henrique gave the hosts a two-goal cushion heading into half time, but after the break Fortaleza came out the blocks quickly and pulled one back after just 13 seconds when David placed his effort into the bottom right corner.

Juan Pablo Vojvoda's men continued to push for an equaliser, but they were unable to find the net for a second time, ending their brilliant run of form.

Fortaleza could have moved to the summit of the Serie A table with a victory, however that defeat has seen them drop down to third place, three points behind league leaders Bragantino.

The Lion of the Pici have only won two of their last eight meetings with Gremio, but they are unbeaten in each of their last three encounters, including a goalless draw in January.

Team News

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Gremio will be without goalkeeper Brenno who has tested positive for coronavirus, while Maicon Souza (calf), Leo Gomes (knee) Elias Manoel and Alisson (both ankle) are all ruled out with injuries.

Souza, who scored his first league goal of the campaign in the last match, is set to keep his place up front ahead of Ricardinho, while Henrique could start again in the number 10 role ahead of Jhonata Robert.

After joining on loan from Juventus in May, Douglas Costa will be hoping he can start his first match for the club on the left wing, which could see Ferreira or Leo Pereira drop to the bench as a result.

As for Fortaleza, they will be without Matheus Jussa (shoulder), Gustavo Blanco (thigh) and Jackson (knee) due to injury, while Isaque has tested positive for coronavirus.

A 3-4-1-2 formation is set to be used once again, which will likely see defenders Titi, Tinga and Marcelo Benevenuto play in the back three, with either Lucas Crispim or Bruno Melo to start at left wing-back.

Forward Robson was dropped to the bench last time out but he could return to the first XI at the expense of 38-year-old Wellington Paulista.

Gremio possible starting lineup:
Chapeco; Rafinha, Geromel, Kannemann, Goiano; Bobsin, Dos Santos; Fernando, Henrique, Costa; Souza

Fortaleza possible starting lineup:
Alves; Tinga, Benevenuto, Titi; Pikachu, Felipe, Ederson, Crispim; Vargas; Robson, David

We say: Gremio 0-2 Fortaleza

Both Gremio and Fortaleza will be looking to win this fixture for different reasons, with the hosts still searching for their first three points of the campaign, while the visitors are hoping to bounce back from last week's defeat and climb closer to the summit.

Fortaleza will be the favourites for Monday's clash and the quality throughout their side should help them secure a comfortable victory at the Arena do Gremio.