Prediction: Bahia vs Palmeiras

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker:

Two sides who find themselves battling it out at opposite ends of the Serie A table, Palmeiras will travel to the Arena Fonte Nova in the early hours of Thursday when they meet Bahia.

Bahia

Starting with the hosts, while Bahia might have been last seen heading into the international break with an action-packed 2-2 draw at home against Cruzeiro on June 10th, that result doesn’t cover what has been an extended rut for Renato Paiva’s squad. Although the Tricolor might have made their Serie A return this season, it is no secret that that Salvador-based outfit are tipped as a leading contender to be hit with an immediate second-tier return in 2023. Despite punching their Copa do Brasil quarter-final ticket on May 31st thanks to a nervy penalties victory against Santos, it should be noted that Bahia have failed to win any of their last eight straight domestic appearances within 90 minutes. However, despite knowing that they will face another stern test at the Arena Fonte Nova in midweek, Paiva’s men should be excited by their continued success on home soil. In fact, Thursday’s hosts have lost just one of their previous six showdowns in front of their own supporters.

Team News

Despite all dealing with recent knocks, Bahia remain hopeful that the likes of Ademir, Biel, Matheus Bahia, Victor Jacare and Yago Felipe here. After serving a one-match suspension prior to June’s international break, 24-year-old Nicolas Acevedo should return to Paiva’s matchday squad in midweek.

Coming off the bench away at Cruzeiro last time out and notching his first Serie A strike of the season, 20-year-old Arthur Sales could come in and replace Everaldo in leading the attack.

Palmeiras

As for the visitors, last seen heading into the international break with another eye-catching display as they clinched a routine 2-0 win away at Sao Paulo, Palmeiras will be relishing a return to Serie A duties in midweek. Tipped as a standout contender to defend their domestic crown in 2023, the Brazilian heavyweights have now won each of their last three appearances across all competitions. Likewise, cruising their way to the knockout stage of this season’s Copa Libertadores thanks to an action-packed 4-2 victory against Ecuadorian outfit Barcelona SC, Abel Ferreira’s side are enjoying yet another extended purple patch. In fact, on a run that stems all the way back to April 5th, the reigning Serie A champions have remarkably suffered just a single defeat from any of their last 19 straight outings. Gaining a reputation for their free-scoring displays in the final third, Palmeiras will be looking to make another statement here.

Team News

Serving a one-match suspension earlier in the month, one-time AC Milan defender Gustavo Gomez will return to Palmeiras’ squad in midweek. However, dealing with respective long-term injury issues, both Eduard Atuesta and Murilo will once again miss out at the Arena Fonte Nova.

Once again finding the net against Sao Paulo prior to the international break and notching back-to-back strikes, 16-year-old sensation Edrick will spearhead Ferreira’s attack here.

Key Factors to Consider

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