Grêmio's Copa Sudamericana campaign kicks off this Wednesday, but all eyes in Porto Alegre are already on the weekend. As the Tricolor prepares to face Montevideo City Torque in Uruguay, manager Luís Castro is making a calculated strategic pivot, prioritizing Sunday's colossal Gre-Nal derby against arch-rivals Internacional.

With the intense state championship clash looming, Castro is set to field a heavily rotated side against Torque. Expect key starters to be rested, giving valuable minutes to squad players like Gabriel Grando, Marcos Rocha, and Martin Braithwaite. This move underscores the brutal schedule of a top Brazilian club, constantly juggling domestic and continental commitments.

The team enters this pivotal week under pressure, fresh off being booed by their own fans after a frustrating goalless draw with Remo. That result extended their winless run in the Brasileirão to three matches, a slump the club is desperate to snap. A strong performance against Internacional is seen as the perfect remedy to restore confidence.

While the focus is on the derby, the Copa Sudamericana presents a crucial opportunity for depth players to stake their claim. Returns from injury for André Henrique and Balbuena bolster the options, though the squad still misses several key figures. Grêmio's ability to navigate this dual challenge—securing a result in Uruguay while priming their stars for the Gre-Nal—will be a true test of their squad's mettle and depth as they chase success on multiple fronts.