The hosts have one game left in the group stage and a win here will help them climb to first place in Group C, while the visitors can keep their qualification hopes alive if they get something here.

Match preview

Gremio coach Renato Gaucho reacts on July 9, 2023 © Reuters

Huachipato rose to second place in Group C after a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Estudiantes at Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi.

It looked like the Chilean side would settle for a point with the scoreline level at 3-3 into stoppage time, but Carlo Vilanueva's strike in the last minute of stoppage time ensured they left with the maximum points.

The win took their points tally to eight and they are now in second place, two points above Gremio, who have a game in hand, and two points behind group leaders The Strongest who have played all their games.

The Steelers have an opportunity to finish top of the group and reach the competition's round of 16 stage for the first time ever if they manage a win on Wednesday against Gremio.

The last time the hosts were in this competition, they also faced the Brazilian side and did not lose to them. Both sides have met three times, recording a draw and Huachipato winning twice, including the 2-0 win in April.

Gremio have a shorter window to prepare for this fixture, having been involved in the Brasileiro on Saturday where they lost 2-0 to Bragantino at Estadio Major Antonio Couto Pereira.

The Imortal Tricolor are back on the continental front having played just four games and with the possibility of still making it into the next round.

After losing the opening two games, the Brazilian side won their next two games against Estudiantes and The Strongest to sit in third place with six points.

However, the visitors need to earn at least a point here to keep their hopes of progressing to the next round alive. Failure to pick up anything from this game might see them settling for a demotion to Copa Sudamericana or exiting continental football depending on the result against Estudiantes in their last group game.

Huachipato Copa Libertadores form:

Gremio Copa Libertadores form:

Gremio form (all competitions):

Team News

Bitello in action for Gremio in July 2023 © Reuters

Huachipato are sweating over the fitness of Chilean forward Cris Martinez who was substituted from last game against Estudiantes due to an injury.

Maximiliano Rodriguez opened his account in the competition last time out and should lead the line once again.

Influential attacking midfielder Gonzalo Montes, who was suspended for the last game, should be back in the XI.

Gremio are dealing with injuries for up to five players heading into this clash, as Pedro Geromel, Andre Henrique, Lucas Mila and Jhonata Robert are dealing with varying degrees of injuries expected to keep them out until next month while Cristian Pavon is out for a few days with a thigh injury.

Diego Costa should be back in the XI to lead the attack after sitting out of the last league game due to suspension.

Huachipato possible starting lineup:
Parra; Loyola, Gazzolo, Malanca, Diaz; Silva, Sepulveda; Gutierrez, Montes, Palmezano; Rodriguez

Gremio possible starting lineup:
Marchesin; Joao Pedro, Ely, Kannemann, Reinaldo; Villasanti, Dodi; Everton, Cristaldo, Soltedo; Costa

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We say: Huachipato 1-1 Gremio

Huachipato have drawn their two home matches in the competition so far and they have never lost to Gremio in history. We think it is going to be a third consecutive home draw for the hosts and a second draw between both teams at Estadio CAP.

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