Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Brazilian Série A match.
Internacional and Juventude will meet in Porto Alegre during daytime local time. Juventude make the short trip from Caxias do Sul, just 120km away, making this a true Rio Grande do Sul derby. It’s worth noting that Internacional have more than one local rivalry, not limited to Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense.
Internacional
Internacional currently sit 12th in the league, just a point outside the Copa Libertadores qualification zone. In the fifth round, they played what many viewed as the most important fixture of the first half of the season — the Gre-Nal derby against Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense. A 1:1 draw was a respectable result away from home, though the team might have made more of their numerical advantage following a red card in the 28th minute. Alan Patrick scored from the penalty spot. In the third round of the Copa Libertadores on Tuesday, Internacional were involved in an exciting clash with Club Nacional de Football from Montevideo. The Uruguayan side held a 3:0 lead by half-time, but the hosts managed to claw back into the match before the break. By midway through the second half, the scoreline was level at 3:3, although Internacional were unable to complete the turnaround.
Juventude
Juventude are not taking part in any international competitions this season, having finished 15th last year — a placement that ensured their spot in Série A but brought no further opportunities. Now, following a recent appointment, the team currently occupy ninth position, which would be enough to qualify for the Copa Sudamericana. Defensive frailties are clear to see. Juventude have conceded more goals than any other side in the opening five rounds — 11 in total. More than half of those came in a 6:0 defeat away to Clube de Regatas do Flamengo in the fourth round. Their most recent outing also proved high-scoring, finishing 2:2 against Mirassol Futebol Clube.
Internacional vs Juventude Prediction
Although Juventude are currently placed higher in the standings, that seems unlikely to last. The hosts are expected to come away with the win, as they did in the Campeonato Gaúcho back in January (2:0). Given both teams’ recent matches, a game with multiple goals looks likely.
