Prediction: Bahia vs Juventude

Verdict: Bahia win

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to make an immediate return to winning ways late on Thursday night, Bahia will welcome Juventude to the Arena Fonte Nova.

Bahia

Starting with the hosts, while Bahia might have been disappointed last weekend as they eventually fell to a 3-1 defeat away at Sao Paulo, the Tricolor should still find the mood in their camp at a real high. While Rogerio Ceni’s men might have spent large spells of last season at the heart of a top-flight relegation scrap, they have made a string of improvements this time around. Receiving a string of plaudits and remarkably battling it out at the top of the Serie A table, the former Flamengo boss has a famous top-four finish at the top of his agenda this year. Making a statement last month as they stormed their way to a 4-1 romp against Cruzeiro, Bahia have certainly gained a reputation for their success on home soil. Along with winning all of their previous three showdowns at the Arena Fonte Nova by an aggregate score of 7-2, it should also be noted that Thursday’s hosts have won eight of their last nine matchups in front of their own supporters.

Team News

Yet to make a single appearance across any competition so far this season and still dealing with a long-term injury issue, former New York City midfielder Nicolas Acevedo will not feature late on Thursday night. However, aside from the 25-year-old, Bahia have reported a clean bill of health here.

Forced to settle for a spot on the bench last weekend despite notching three goals in as many Serie A appearances, Colombian marksmen Oscar Estupinan could be handed a full recall. Ex-Monaco star Jean Lucas will partner veteran midfielder Everton Ribeiro in the middle of the park.

Juventude

As for the visitors, while Juventude might have shown some real steel since making their Serie A return this season, the Verdao are hoping to find some much-welcomed stability. Last seen making an immediate return to losing ways as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat away at Fortaleza, Roger Machado’s men have won just four of their first 12 top-flight appearances since opening up the 2024 campaign. Almost sat in Serie A limbo as we enter July, the one-time Palmeiras boss will certainly have a mounting headache over his side’s worrying issues on the road. Including a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Bragantino last month, Juventude have lost all of their previous three Serie A battles away from the Alfredo Jaconi by an aggregate score of 7-2. It should also be highlighted, Thursday’s guests have collected just a pair of points from their opening six top-flight matchups outside of Rio Grande do Sul.

Team News

Not making a single appearance across any competition since the end of April, former Tombense striker Kleiton remains on the sidelines and is not expected to feature at the Arena Fonte Nova on Thursday night. Coming off the bench and bagging a consolation strike against Fortaleza last weekend, 23-year-old Ewerthon could be handed a full recall here.

While one-time Botafogo midfielder Luis Oyama might have returned from a minor knock last month, the 27-year-old will have to settle for a spot on the bench in midweek. Former Napoli shot-stopper Gabriel will start between the sticks on Thursday.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Bahia and Juventude last met back in October 2021, Thursday’s opponents played out a 0-0 stalemate at the Alfredo Jaconi.
• The Tricolor are unbeaten in each of their previous five historic matchups against Thursday’s guests.
• Along with winning their previous three home fixtures by an aggregate score of 7-2, Bahia have won eight of their previous nine appearances at the Arena Fonte Nova.
• Juventude have lost all of their previous three Serie A matchups away from the Alfredo Jaconi by an aggregate score of 7-3.
• Likewise, the Verdao have collected just a pair of points from any of their first six Serie A appearances on the road.

Conclusion

Remarkably battling it out at the top of the Serie A table and in the midst of what has become a history-making romp, Bahia will be excited to make a return to home soil here. Winning all of their previous three showdowns at the Arena Fonte Nova by an aggregate score of 7-2, the Tricolor have gained a fearsome reputation for their success in Salvador. With Juventude showing some glaring issues on their travels and yet to muster a single away victory since opening up the 2024 campaign, we are backing a home win in midweek.

Verdict: Bahia win

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Luckster