Grêmio Hosts Internacional in Relegation Battle at Arena

Grêmio and Internacional face each other at Arena do Grêmio in Porto Alegre in Gre-Nal 455, a Brazilian Championship match that is crucial for both clubs seeking to escape the relegation zone. The rivals meet in the 30th round with Internacional in 17th place and Grêmio in 18th.

According to ge.globo.com, Grêmio have 30 points, one behind Internacional, and a draw would keep both teams among the bottom four. The match is the final Gre-Nal of the year and is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., with RBS TV and Premiere broadcasting the game.

Grêmio enter the derby without a win in five matches and are looking for Renato Portaluppi's first victory since returning as coach. According to ge.globo.com, the team drew against Palmeiras and Remo in his first two matches during this spell.

The Grêmio lineup has defensive uncertainties, with Wallace recovering from a fractured nose and Diego Caito and Marlon dealing with injuries. Dodi is suspended after receiving his third yellow card, while Carlos Vinícius, Diego Caito, João Pedro, Nardoni, Wallace and Weverton are among the players at risk of suspension.

Internacional arrive after a 2-1 win over Corinthians in Eduardo Baptista's first match in charge, according to the club's official website. Vitinho and Alan Patrick scored in that victory, which moved the team into a position to fight for survival.

The Internacional coach is expected to maintain most of the winning lineup, with goalkeeper Anthoni continuing in the starting role. Defender Victor Gabriel returns after completing a 70-day suspension and competes with Juninho for a place in defense, according to Internacional.

The program "Sala de Redação" published by GauchaZH presented a "Mano a Mano" comparison of possible starters from both teams before the derby. The evaluation selected seven Grêmio players and four Internacional players in individual matchups.

The selected combined lineup included Weverton, Bruno Gomes, Mercado, Wallace and Marlon in defense; Villagra, Villasanti and Alan Patrick in midfield; and Pavon, Amuzu and Carlos Vinícius in attack, according to GauchaZH.

The referee for Gre-Nal 455 is Rodrigo Jose Pereira de Lima from Pernambuco, assisted by Danilo Ricardo Simon Manis from São Paulo and Francisco Chaves Bezerra Junior from Pernambuco. Caio Max Augusto Vieira from Goiás will operate VAR, with Maguielson Lima Barbosa from the Federal District as fourth official.

The teams drew 0-0 in the first meeting of the season at Beira-Rio. According to Internacional, the rivals have played 454 previous matches, with 166 Internacional wins, 144 draws and 144 Grêmio victories.