Bahia vs Palmeiras Prediction: Favorite Palmeiras doesn't want to lose points

In this match between Baianos and Paulistas, no other outcome is expected than a victory for the current champions, Palmeiras. If Abel Ferreira's team doesn't win at the Arena Fonte Nova, it will be a big surprise, as they have shown all their strength both at home and away. Bahia, on the other hand, has been struggling and hasn't won for eight games if we exclude the victory by penalties in the Copa do Brasil. The superiority of Palmeiras is evident in the history between the two teams, but in the last four meetings in Bahia, for the Brasileirão, there were four draws. However, if we analyze the results for all competitions and in all stadiums, we can see that Bahia hasn't beaten Palmeiras in 16 matches. Bahia's last victory was in 2012, when world football legend Falcão coached them.

The Tricolor occupies the 15th position in the standings, two places above the relegation line. In the last five league matches, the team has managed only three points, the result of three draws and two defeats. Only Vasco da Gama and Coritiba, the bottom two of the Brasileirão, have done worse in their last five matches. It is, therefore, not the best time to welcome probably the best Brazilian team, but Bahia, with the support of its public, will try to surprise. The team has several injured players, and once again, coach Renato Paiva has to change the starting line-up. This has been a constant this season. Bahia is back to host the Paulistas in the main league after a year in the Série B, and the truth is that before Bahia's relegation, Palmeiras always had difficulties at the Fonte Nova.

The Verdão is in second place, and confidence is high after their 2-0 derby win against São Paulo at the Morumbi. Palmeiras is hoping for a stumble from the leader Botafogo, who has two points more, to reach the top of the Brasileirão. Abel Ferreira's team is still the main favorite for the title. The Paulistas have the best attack in the competition and are the only undefeated team in the league. Several changes are expected in the starting eleven due to the presence of several players in their countries' national teams. Weverton, Raphael Veiga, and Rony traveled to Europe with the Brazilian national team and will arrive very close to the match date. The next round will be played three days later, and there is a hot game with Botafogo! Surely the international players will be spared for that big match.

Even though Palmeiras probably isn't going to play with their best team, they are the big favorites for this match. The Paulistas host Botafogo in the next round, so the three points with Bahia are crucial.