Bahia vs Internacional Prediction: Expect a balanced game between Baianos and Gaúchos

Only four points separate Bahia and Internacional. The Baianos occupy 16th place, one position above the relegation zone, meaning that Internacional can end up in the danger zone of the table after fighting for a place in the Copa Libertadores final. Playing at home, Bahia will want to win and involve another team in the relegation battle. Both teams have won their last games with morale-boosting results, so there are no favorites for this match.

The Tricolor Baiano got a stunning 6-4 win at the Goiás ground. The result allowed Bahia to overtake its opponent in the table and climb out of the relegation zone. More than 30,000 tickets have been sold for the game against Inter, meaning that Bahia will have strong support from the stands at the Arena Fonte Nova. The Baianos haven't won at home since August, when they beat RB Bragantino 4-0 in a shocking result. In that game, the team was still under Renato Paiva's command, which means that Rogério Ceni, the current coach, has yet to win at home.

A victory in the Grenal, the great Classic of Rio Grande do Sul, was the best result Colorado could have wished following its painful elimination in the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores. A 3-2 win against rival Grêmio boosted the players' morale so they could face the last third of the championship with full confidence in their abilities. Inter's 12th place allows it to qualify for the Copa Sudamericana, but it's also wise to look down and bear in mind that the relegation zone is only 5 points away. Playing at the Arena Fonte Nova is not easy, but an experienced team like Internacional can at least bring one point to Porto Alegre.

It's a match where balance should prevail. Bahia has the strong support of its fans, so it's always a tricky team to beat at home, but Internacional looks confident after beating rival Grêmio and also needs points. In the 28 home matches that Bahia hosted Internacional in the Brasileirão, the Gaúchos won eleven and lost eight. There have been nine draws, which I think is the most likely outcome for this game. I will bet on a Double Chance for Inter, though, preventing a surprise.