Gremio vs. Ceara Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 24 August 2025

As Gremio hosts Ceara in the 21st round of Serie A, both teams are poised to deliver a competitive match. With Gremio sitting 13th in the league with 23 points and Ceara just ahead in 10th with 25 points, the contest is a crucial mid-table clash.

Gremio is coming off a strong 3-1 away win against Atletico MG, boosting team morale despite recent injuries and suspensions. Newly signed Marcos Rocha, reunited with Luiz Felipe Scolari, is set for his debut, and Martin Braithwaite, returning from suspension, will spearhead the attack. However, significant injuries (like Mathías Villasanti’s season-ending knee injury) and suspensions (Dodi and Carlos Vinícius) could hinder their performance.

Ceara, led by Leo Conde, has shown mixed form, securing a win and a draw in their last five league games. Still, they recently lost to Bahia in the Copa do Nordeste. Pedro Raul, their top scorer, aims to keep their spirits high.

Given their inconsistent form and similar standing, a draw seems likely. Gremio’s home advantage might be offset by their injury worries. Both teams typically score around one goal per game, suggesting a low-scoring encounter. Betting on a draw is advisable here.

Gremio vs Ceara Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Draw	3.15

Best Bet Recommendation: Draw

Reasoning:

1. Team Form and Performance: Both Gremio and Ceara have similar recent forms, with Gremio at LWLLW and Ceara at WDLWL. This indicates inconsistency in both teams’ performances, making a draw a plausible outcome.
2. Standings and Statistics: Gremio is 13th with 23 points, while Ceara is 10th with 25 points. Their close standings suggest a competitive match with no clear advantage for either team.
3. Injuries and Suspensions: Gremio is dealing with several key injuries like Mathías Villasanti’s season-ending knee injury, along with suspensions, which could hinder their performance and negate their home advantage, further supporting the likelihood of a draw.

Overall, the combination of similar form, close standings, and Gremio’s injury issues makes a draw the most likely result.

Gremio vs Ceara Odds

In the upcoming Serie A match, Gremio is the favorite to clinch a win despite their current injury woes. The odds reflect a close contest between the two teams, suggesting that a draw or an upset by Ceara is plausible. Betting enthusiasts will find some appealing options here.

Gremio vs Ceara Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Gremio Win	2.02
Draw	3.15
Ceara Win	3.84

Gremio’s odds of 2.02 underscore their edge, likely influenced by home advantage and the return of key player Martin Braithwaite. However, Ceara’s odds of 3.84 offer a tempting payout for risk-takers, considering their steady, albeit mixed, performances on the road. The draw odds at 3.15 present a balanced choice, rationalized by both teams’ recent forms and close standings.

Gremio Team Analysis

Gremio Recent Performance

Gremio’s recent form has been a mixed bag with two wins and three losses in their last five games. They managed a notable 3-1 victory over Atletico MG, boosting team morale, but also endured defeats against Sport Recife, Fluminense, and Palmeiras.

Gremio’s Last 5 Matches	Results
Atletico MG vs Gremio	1 – 3 (Win)
Gremio vs Sport Recife	0 – 1 (Loss)
Fluminense vs Gremio	1 – 0 (Loss)
Gremio vs Fortaleza	2 – 1 (Win)
Palmeiras vs Gremio	1 – 0 (Loss)

Despite their inconsistent results, Gremio has managed to score an average of 1.00 goals per match in their last five games but failed to keep any clean sheets. The return of Martin Braithwaite, who has netted 6 goals this season, could be pivotal.

Injuries and suspensions still loom large with key players like Mathías Villasanti and Carlos Vinícius unavailable, which might impact their overall performance in the upcoming match against Ceara.

Gremio Key Players

For Gremio, the return of Martin Braithwaite is vital. As their top scorer with 6 goals this season, Braithwaite will spearhead the attack and look to capitalize on any defensive lapses by Ceara. Additionally, the newly signed Marcos Rocha brings a wealth of experience and is expected to start at right-back, strengthening the defense.

Other Key Players:

• Fabian Balbuena and Walter Kannemann: Centre-backs who will face the tough task of containing Ceara’s top scorer, Pedro Raul.
• Gustavo Cuellar: A solid presence in defensive midfield, tasked with breaking up Ceara’s attacks and aiding the backline.

Expected lineup for Gremio:

• Goalkeeper: Tiago Volpi
• Defenders: Marcos Rocha, Fabian Balbuena, Walter Kannemann, Marlon
• Midfielders: Gustavo Cuellar, Alex Santana, Riquelme Freitas
• Attackers: Alysson Edward, Cristian Olivera, Martin Braithwaite

Given the key injuries and suspensions, these players will be crucial in navigating a challenging fixture against Ceara.

Gremio Suspensions & Injuries

Gremio is significantly impacted by injuries and suspensions ahead of their match against Ceara. Key midfielder Mathías Villasanti is out for the season with a knee injury, and Dodi and Carlos Vinícius are both suspended due to red cards. The defensive line is also affected, with Rodrigo Ely out until mid-December due to a cruciate ligament injury.

Current Injuries:

• Rodrigo Ely: Cruciate ligament injury, potential return mid-December 2025
• Joao Pedro: Broken leg, potential return early September 2025
• Miguel Monsalve: Dislocated shoulder, potential return mid-September 2025
• André Henrique: Muscle injury, potential return in 1-2 weeks
• Gustavo Martins: Thigh injury, potential return early September 2025
• Joao Lucas: Muscle injury, potential return in 1-2 weeks
• Mathías Villasanti: Cruciate ligament injury, out for the season

Suspensions:

• Dodi: Red card, banned for 1 match
• Carlos Vinícius: Red card, banned for 1 match

These absences could weaken Gremio’s lineup, making their task against Ceara more challenging and supporting the likelihood of a draw.

Gremio Tactics and Formation

Gremio’s head coach, Mano Menezes, typically opts for a 4-3-3 formation, known for its balance between attack and defense. This has been evident in their recent games.

Gremio Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Martin Braithwaite, who returns from suspension and is crucial for offensive play.
• Midfield Trio: Gustavo Cuellar, Alex Santana, Riquelme Freitas.
• Defensive Strength: Although they haven’t kept any clean sheets in their last five games, the recent addition of Marcos Rocha at right-back is expected to bolster their backline.
• Notable Strategy: Gremio often ramps up their offensive efforts in the final quarter of the game, scoring the majority of their goals between the 76th and 90th minutes. This late surge can be pivotal, especially with Braithwaite back in the lineup.

In the upcoming match against Ceara, expect Gremio to rely on this balanced approach, leveraging their offensive firepower while staying compact defensively.

Ceara Team Analysis

Ceara Recent Performance

Ceara’s recent form has been quite erratic, evidenced by their record of two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five matches. This inconsistency was highlighted in their recent performances:

Ceara’s Last 5 Matches	Results
Bahia vs Ceara	1 – 0 (Loss)
Ceara vs Red Bull Bragantino	1 – 0 (Win)
Palmeiras vs Ceara	2 – 1 (Loss)
Ceara vs Flamengo	1 – 1 (Draw)
Cruzeiro vs Ceara	1 – 2 (Win)

Ceara has managed to score an average of 1.00 goals per match over this period, maintaining one clean sheet. However, they also have some notable vulnerabilities, particularly in the final quarter of the game where they have conceded most of their goals. Led by coach Leo Conde, the team will be looking to stabilise their form ahead of their match against Gremio.

Pedro Raul, Ceara’s top scorer with seven goals this season, will be pivotal in their quest for points. Despite their issues, Ceara sits 10th in the league with 25 points, just ahead of Gremio, making this a crucial match.

Ceara Key Players

Ceara will heavily rely on their top scorer, Pedro Raul, who has found the back of the net seven times this season. His form will be crucial in breaking down Gremio’s defense. Another significant player to watch is Lourenço, who operates as an attacking midfielder and often acts as the creative force driving Ceara’s forward play.

Other Key Players:

• Dieguinho and Richardson: Anchoring the midfield, these players will be tasked with disrupting Gremio’s play and launching counter-attacks.
• Antonio Galeano: As a right-winger, his pace and dribbling skills can pose problems for Gremio’s new signing, Marcos Rocha.

Expected lineup for Ceara:

• Goalkeeper: Bruno Ferreira
• Defenders: Fabiano, Marcos Victor, Willian Machado, Matheus Bahia
• Midfielders: Dieguinho, Richardson, Lourenço
• Attackers: Antonio Galeano, Aylon, Pedro Raul

This blend of experience and youth will be crucial for Ceara as they aim to exploit Gremio’s vulnerabilities.

Ceara Suspensions & Injuries

Ceara is also dealing with several key absences that could impact their performance against Gremio. Fernandinho and Luiz Otávio are out until early September due to thigh and knee surgery respectively, while their goalkeeper Fernando Miguel is sidelined with a Medial Collateral Ligament injury until mid-September. Additionally, Fernando Sobral is suspended for accumulating too many yellow cards.

Current Injuries:

• Luiz Otávio: Knee surgery, potential return early September 2025
• Fernandinho: Thigh injury, potential return early September 2025
• Fernando Miguel: Medial Collateral Ligament injury, potential return mid-September 2025

Suspensions:

• Fernando Sobral: Banned for 1 match due to yellow cards

The absence of these players might weaken Ceara’s defensive setup and depth, offering an advantage to Gremio in this competitive fixture.

Ceara Tactics and Formation

Ceara’s head coach, Leo Conde, prefers a balanced 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasising both defensive solidity and creative attacking play. This formation allows flexibility in transitioning between defense and attack.

Ceara Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Pedro Raul, their top scorer, is pivotal in leading the attack and converting chances.
• Midfield Protection: Dieguinho and Richardson operate as the defensive midfielders, tasked with breaking down opposition plays and providing cover for the backline.
• Creative Spark: Lourenço in the attacking midfielder role often acts as the central creative force, linking up play and initiating attacks.
• Defensive Vulnerability: Ceara has displayed a tendency to concede goals in the last 15 minutes of each half (31-45, 61-75, 76-90-minute intervals), highlighting a lapse in concentration during these periods.

In this match against Gremio, expect Ceara to rely on quick transitions and capitalise on any defensive errors, leveraging their balanced system.

Gremio vs Ceara Head-to-Head Statistics

The recent head-to-head encounters between Gremio and Ceara have been fairly balanced, showing mixed results without clear dominance by either team.

Recent Head-to-Head Matches	Results
Ceara vs Gremio (2025-04-05)	2 – 0 (Ceara Win)
Gremio vs Ceara (2021-09-12)	2 – 0 (Gremio Win)
Ceara vs Gremio (2021-05-30)	3 – 2 (Ceara Win)
Gremio vs Ceara (2020-11-14)	4 – 2 (Gremio Win)
Ceara vs Gremio (2020-08-13)	1 – 1 (Draw)

• The last encounter saw Ceara winning with a 2-0 scoreline.
• Both teams have traded wins with Gremio winning twice and Ceara also securing two victories.
• There has also been one draw in their recent matchups.

These close matches highlight the competitiveness between the two sides, indicating that the upcoming fixture could be another tightly contested affair. Given their current standings and recent form, both teams will be eager to secure points.

Odds accurate as of 22/08/2025 01:03, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.