Bahia vs Criciúma Prediction: The Baianos must be cautious

Bahia hosts Criciúma at the Arena Fonte Nova in a Round 28 match. The home side is in sixth place, a position that gives access to the Copa Libertadores qualifying round. Criciúma has a more modest ambition of avoiding relegation. However, in the last round, the Tiger defeated Grêmio away from home, so confidence is running high.

The Steel Squadron lost 4-1 in Fortaleza but kept sixth place in the table because Cruzeiro and Internacional drew their games. Still, the result was poor, as the home team was superior. The Baianos couldn't stop Marinho, who scored twice in the first half. The right winger destroyed Bahia's defense with his dribbling and two accurate shots from outside the area. Everaldo equalized for the visitors after Marinho's first goal. However, the man of the match made a superb play a few minutes later to put his team back in front. Fortaleza is the only team unbeaten at home, so Bahia's task was difficult. Ceni's men now need to beat Criciúma to forget the heavy defeat.

The Catarinenses got a crucial win on the road against Grêmio and climbed to 13th place in the table. However, the relegation zone is only four points below, so the fight must continue. Tencati's players made a determined start at the Arena do Grêmio, scoring in the 14th minute through Caike. Criciúma defended well but conceded the equalizer in the 67th minute through Villasanti. When the home fans were waiting for their team's second goal, Ronald scored the 2-1 for Criciúma with a fine shot from distance. The Tiger roared in Porto Alegre and will now go to Salvador to pick more points.

The two teams will meet for the fourth time this season. Bahia defeated Criciúma in both games in the Copa do Brasil Third Round and drew at Criciúma in Round 9 of the Série A. The Catarinenses are motivated by their away win against Grêmio, so could cause problems for the home team. However, Bahia plays at home, didn't play midweek, and wants to make amends for the heavy defeat in Fortaleza. I'm therefore betting on the Baianos to win with a maximum of 5 goals scored in the match.