Separated by just three points in the Brasileiro Serie A standings, Vasco da Gama and Gremio meet at Estadio de Sao Januario on Saturday evening in a clash with significant implications in the middle of the table.

While the hosts currently sit just above the relegation zone, the visiting two-time league champions are hovering mid-table and looking to reignite their Copa Sudamericana qualification hopes.

Match preview

Fernando Diniz's side have struggled for consistency in recent weeks, suffering four defeats in their last six league outings. The Rio de Janeiro outfit enter this clash on the back of a disappointing 2-0 loss to Botafogo at home, a result that further highlighted the vulnerabilities they have shown on their own turf throughout the season.

In fact, Vasco have drawn blanks in four of their last six home matches, scoring just six goals while also conceding six during that run. The likes of Palmeiras, RB Bragantino and now Botafogo have all departed Sao Januario with clean sheets, a worrying trend for a side that relies heavily on Pablo Vegetti for inspiration in the final third. The Argentine forward has netted eight goals this term and remains the club's primary attacking outlet.

However, Vasco's 3-0 dismantling of Fortaleza in mid-May and an impressive 3-1 win away at Sao Paulo last month suggest there is still quality in this side. Nuno Moreira and Rayan have chipped in with goals and creativity, but a lack of consistency continues to haunt Diniz's squad.

Their overall record stands at four wins, one draw and eight defeats from 13 matches, with 14 goals scored and 18 conceded. At home, they have won three of their seven fixtures but have also suffered three defeats, with just one draw to their name. The goalless stalemate against Flamengo in April remains their only home draw in the league thus far.

Gremio, meanwhile, head to Rio de Janeiro under pressure after suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat to Cruzeiro in their most recent league outing. That loss brought an end to a four-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, a run that featured victories over Juventude, Sportivo and Bahia, as well as a draw with Corinthians.

Mano Menezes's side have struggled for consistency this season, winning just four of their 13 games while drawing four and losing five. A tally of 13 goals scored and 19 conceded highlights their unbalanced performances, though they have at least found the net in each of their last five league away games.

Gremio's away form has been patchy at best, with just one win and one draw from six matches on the road. 

A 2-0 win at Juventude earlier this month showed their potential, but heavy defeats to Cruzeiro and Mirassol have exposed defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in the absence of experienced centre-back Rodrigo Ely.

Vasco da Gama Brasileiro form:

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Vasco da Gama form (all competitions):

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Gremio Brasileiro form:

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Gremio form (all competitions):

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Team News

Vasco da Gama are not without injury concerns either. Philippe Coutinho, who made his move to the club permanent from Aston Villa earlier this month, is sidelined with a calf problem. With Coutinho unavailable, creative duties may fall to Nuno Moreira centrally, supporting the prolific Vegetti up front.

Adson remains out due to a broken tibia sustained in early June, while there are no suspension concerns for Diniz, who is expected to stick with his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation.

The visitors are also without right-backs Joao Pedro and Joao Lucas due to injury, meaning Igor Serrote is expected to fill in once again. 

Martin Braithwaite, the club's top scorer with four goals, is sidelined with an ankle injury, further limiting Gremio's firepower. Cristian Olivera is a doubt with muscular issues, adding to the growing list of fitness concerns.

Nevertheless, Menezes is expected to retain his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. Franco Cristaldo will occupy the number 10 role behind lone striker Matias Arezo, though Andre Henrique is pushing for a start after his goal against Cruzeiro.

Vasco da Gama possible starting lineup:

Jardim; Henrique, Victor, Freitas, Piton; Tche, Moura; Rayan, Moreira, Nuno Moreira; Vegetti

Gremio possible starting lineup:

Volpi; Martins, Leonardo, Kannemann, Esteves; Villasanti, Santana; Alysson, Cristaldo, Amuzu; Arezo

We say: Vasco da Gama 1-1 Gremio

Both sides are struggling for consistency and have key players unavailable, which could lead to a cagey affair. Vasco have failed to make the most of home advantage in recent weeks, while Gremio have lacked punch on the road. A draw appears the most likely outcome, with a low-scoring contest expected.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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