Bahia vs Palmeiras Prediction: Palmeiras can't afford to drop points

Bahia and Palmeiras will clash in one of the standout matches of Round 34. Palmeiras is in second place, four points behind Botafogo. The Paulistas only think of winning and continuing to put pressure on the Brasileirão leader. Bahia is struggling at the moment and will face a fearsome opponent.

The Tricolor hasn't won in five matches and has dropped to eighth place. Bahia dreams of reaching the Copa Libertadores but must finish strongly in the league, or it will probably fall to mid-table. Rogério Ceni's team has lost nine in the last twelve games, leaving the fans frustrated with the coach. The Baianos enchanted the country with their beautiful football in the first half of the season but inexplicably lost steam. Facing Palmeiras is never easy, but it's even worse at this point in the season, with the champion fighting for the title. Bahia will have to work hard to get a good result.

In its last game, the Verdão beat Grêmio 1-0 at home, but the result didn't reflect what happened at the Allianz Parque. Palmeiras had 33 shots, hitting 14 on target, but only scored one goal. Marchesín, Grêmio's goalkeeper, made a superb effort, saving almost every shot except Estêvão's goal. The wonderkid is now the league's top scorer. The Paulistas could perfectly well have won by five or six goals. Abel Ferreira's team delivered one of the finest displays of the season, in my opinion. Palmeiras probably won't have as many chances to score against Bahia and will have to be more efficient in a decisive game for the champion.

Palmeiras is determined to reach first place but must win its remaining matches to do so. Bahia is going through a tough patch, with no wins in the past five games. Rogério Ceni's team has been one of the disappointments of the second half of the season. The Tricolor Baiano has quality players, but at this stage, they're lacking confidence. I'm backing Palmeiras to win.