Even without any pre-season expectations, Bahia contends a top-half finish this week in the Campeonato Brasileiro against Juventude. The match schedules for Wednesday, with kickoff at midnight.
The visitors are pushing closer to their hosts this weekend in the top flight after losing one match in their last five matches.
Bahia is currently in-formin a comparison with their previous seasons. A top half standing in the Serie A seasons is a major positive sign. The side bounced back from successive 3-2 and 4-2 Palmeiras and America MG.
Their win against Chapecoense on Sunday took the side to a sixth position in the standings. Gilberto showed his shimmering light against a 67th-minute winner, netting an injury-time double last time out.
Moreover, the inaugural Copa do Nordeste winners remain in a rare position against their recent new-found rivals in the Brazilian top flight. There is much to capitalize on the home advantage after picking up only one win at Arena Fonte Nova in their past four games.
On the other hand, Juventude enjoys life in the Brazilian top flight after a 13-year hiatus in Serie B. However, a third-place finish last season saw their promotion to the top flight. It is a major overhaul, especially after slipping down to the fourth tier. A win this weekend will seem the Santos jump over their opponents in the standings.
Bahia vs Juventude Head to Head
Both sides have four games against each other, with Bahia taking two wins while Juventude with one win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Chapecoense 0-2 Bahia
- Bahia 3-4 America Mineiro
- Palmeiras 3-2 Bahia
- Bahia 2-1 Club Athletico Paranaense
- Bahia 0-0 Corinthians
Away
- Ceara SC 2-0 Juventude
- Juventude 2-0 Gremio
- Juvnetude 1-0 Flamengo
- America Mineiro 1-1 Juventude
- Juventude 1-0 Sport Recife
Bahia Team News
Gilberto returns to the starting XI this weekend after two goals in their last three matches and all eight goals in total. The 32-year-old striker should lead the line, especially with creator Rossi behind the lines. However, he faces a lot of competition, especially after Rodriguinho.
Juventude Team News
Matheus Peixoto expects to lead the line with Santos favoring a 4-3-2-1 formation. Veteran winger Paulinho will operate on the flanks. However, Guilherme Castilho will serve a suspension after getting send-off last weekend.
Prediction and Odds
Bahia has a far much superior attacking prowess in their ranks; thus, we expect a clean swoop.
- Bahia Win
- Goals Over 2.5
- Gilberto to Score
