Deportes Iquique vs Gremio: Preview and Prediction

Deportes Iquique vs Gremio
Copa Libertadores 2017, Group Stage
Date: Wednesday, 3rd May 2017
Kick-off at 23:30 UK
Venue: Estadio Tierra de Campeones (Iquique).

Deportes Iquique host Gremio in an all-important clash in the Group 8 of the Copa Libertadores 2017.

The Chilean club are third in the standings with 6 points, both from wins against Zamora. They trail second placed Guarani by 1 point and therefore a win here is vital to keep them in the contest for knockout qualification. A win is must for Iquique to stay in the qualification race. If Guarani win their match against Zamora; dropping points against Gremio will eliminate the Chileans from the competition.

Gremio are at the top of the table with 10 points and they are unbeaten with 3 wins and a draw from their 4 matches so far. The Brazilians can confirm their knockout berth even with a draw on Wednesday.

Iquique are coming on the back of a four-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

While Gremio bagged their first win in four matches when they defeated Guarani 4-1 at home last week.

Deportes Iquique vs Gremio: Head-to-head

We saw an absolute thriller when these teams met in the reverse leg on 12th April. Gremio raced to a 3-goal lead within 30 minutes, but Iquique pulled two goals back midway through the second half. The Chileans kept knocking on the door, but Gremio held firm to escape with a 3-2 win.

Deportes Iquique vs Gremio: Prediction

This match is expected to be an open affair with Iquique desperate for a win to stay in the competitions. However, Gremio’s sloppy away form could work in favour of the Chileans. Therefore, it will be worth backing the home side to remain unbeaten here. Once again, anything less than a win could eliminate the home team from the competition depending upon results elsewhere.