Gremio vs Internacional - Copa Do Brasil

All eyes turn to the home ground on September 3, 2026 as Gremio welcome Internacional in a Copa Do Brasil encounter that promises tension, intrigue and no shortage of subplot. Ferencvaros v Real Madrid: Confirmed line-ups for Mourinho’s latest pre-season clash.

In the Copa Do Brasil table, Gremio currently occupy 2nd and Internacional sit 11th, and the context adds genuine weight to what is already an intriguing fixture. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. During his 22 matches in charge, Oxford actually ranked as high as 14th in the table.

The tactical subplot is compelling: Gremio favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while Internacional are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. It isn't clear yet that this will definitely be a winger, with Maresca and sporting director Hugo Viana flexible over their attack.

The fixture boasts genuine star quality. With Carlos Vinícius topping the Copa Do Brasil scoring charts at 3 goals, the stage is set for the kind of individual brilliance that can swing a contest. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. Michael Carrick wants a younger defender who can eventually succeed Luke Shaw, whose fitness record makes it difficult to rely on him throughout a demanding campaign.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. Given the balance of the numbers, Gremio should have enough to edge it — a 2-1 victory looks the most likely outcome. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. It is understood that his next move is most likely to take him abroad - and potentially to the Premier League.