Brazilian side Gremio make the trip to Paraguay for their opening game in this season's Copa Sudamericana on Thursday against Sportivo Luqueno.
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Sportivo Luqueno vs Gremio prediction: Away win on the cards?
Key Stats
- Gremio have a far superior squad compared to their hosts and that will give the Brazilians the edge in Paraguay.
- Sportivo Luqueno have lost ten of their previous 12 encounters with Brazilian opposition.
- Martin Braithwaite scored eight times in Serie A last season and notched six goals in the recent Gaucho 1 for Gremio.
- Braithwaite heads into Thursday's match on the back of six goals in his last ten appearances for Gremio.
Correct score prediction: Sportivo Luqueno 0-2 Gremio
Sportivo Luqueno have struggled at home this season in all competitions and we're only expecting Gremio to add to the host's miseries on Thursday. Luqueno have only conceded more than two goals in two of their last 12 matches this season but have failed to score in six of their last ten outings.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Gremio the clear favourite
- HOME: 19/4 (5.75) – 17.4%
- DRAW: 14/5 (3.80) – 26.3%
- AWAY: 8/11 (1.73) – 57.9%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Gremio are the expected winner of this game with a probability of 57.9% and agree with the bookmakers on this one.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: First-ever meeting
Thursday's clash marks the first meeting between these two clubs but Sportivo Luqueno have faced Brazilian opposition on 12 previous occasions, picking up one win, one draw and suffering ten defeats.
Sportivo Luqueno preview: Made a poor start to the season
Sportivo Luqueno sit 12th in Paraguay's Division Profesional table after the opening 11 matches and already have a goal difference of minus seven.
Thursday's hosts managed to salvage a point from their last league game away at Sportivo Ameliano. Despite taking the lead in the 18th minute through Walter Gonzalez, Ameliano equalised a minute later and then took the lead shortly before the interval. Gonzalez converted a spot-kick in the 61st minute to make it 2-2 and that proved to be the final goal of the game.
Marcelo Perez and Jonathan Ramos both picked up injuries during that 2-2 draw and could now miss the Gremio game.
Predicted lineup: Espínola (GK), Ocampos, Marchio, Brizuela, Comas, Rodríguez, Benítez, Parra, Torres, González & Villalba
Paraguay Division Profesional 11/05/25
W
Libertad Asuncion
0
Sportivo Luqueno
1
Copa Sudamericana 06/05/25
L
Godoy Cruz
1
Sportivo Luqueno
0
Paraguay Division Profesional 02/05/25
D
2 de Mayo
1
Sportivo Luqueno
1
Paraguay Division Profesional 27/04/25
D
General Caballero JLM
0
Sportivo Luqueno
0
Copa Sudamericana 24/04/25
D
Atletico Grau
2
Sportivo Luqueno
2
Gremio preview: Off to a winning start in Serie A
Gremio kicked off the latest Serie A season at home against Atletico Mineiro and took the lead in the 33rd minute through their young Uruguay striker Dougklas Arezo. Veteran midfielder Edenilson made it 2-0 right on the stroke of halftime and although Atletico Mineiro pulled a goal back late on, the hosts held firm to secure all three points.
Danish striker Martain Braithwaite missed the Atletico Mineiro game but is expected back from injury in time to face Sportivo Luqueno.
Predicted lineup: Volpi (GK), Jemerson, Leonardo, Esteves, Edenílson, Villasanti, Camilo, Serrote, Amuzu, Braithwaite & Olivera
Brazil Serie A 10/05/25
D
Bragantino
1
Gremio
1
Copa Sudamericana 08/05/25
D
Atletico Grau
0
Gremio
0
Brazil Serie A 04/05/25
W
Santos
0
Gremio
1
Copa do Brasil 01/05/25
L
CSA
3
Gremio
2
Brazil Serie A 27/04/25
D
Vitoria
1
Gremio
1
Player to watch: Martin Braithwaite
Martin Braithwaite raised some eyebrows when he decided to quit European football to start a career in Brazil with Gremio.
However, the 33-year-old has adapted well to life in South America, scoring eight goals in 18 appearances in his debut season in Serie A, as well as scoring six times in nine Gaucho 1 games in 2025.
Gremio's Danish forward continues to impress
Braithwaite should return to the Gremio squad this week and we're backing the Danish forward to make an impression on the hosts from Paraguay whether he starts the game or comes off the bench.