Sports Mole previews Wednesday’s Brasileiro clash between Athletico Paranaense and Bahia, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Athletico Paranaense go in search in back to back wins for the first time in just under two months when they welcome Bahia to Ligga Arena on Wednesday.
The visitors, meanwhile, make their way to Curitiba aiming to get themselves back on track having lost two of three matches heading into this one.
Match preview
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Athletico Paranaense just about did enough to emerge 2-1 victors against Atletico Goianiense in Sunday’s encounter at Estadio Antonio Accioly.
After going behind to Luiz Fernando‘s opener, Juliano Roberto Antonello‘s men evened matters through Julimar before Lucas Di Yorio completed the comeback 12 minutes from time.
Having collected maximum points from two of their last three involvements, The Rubro-Negro currently occupy sixth place in the Brasileiro table, two points clear of Cruzeiro in the race for the final Copa Libertadores spot.
Coming up next is the challenge of an opposing outfit without a victory in the most recent four editions of this fixture off the back of three straight wins prior to that.
However, Wednesday’s hosts will be dreading the prospect of another winless outing in front of their fans when they take to the field as they boast just one win from their last six home encounters.
Bahia were on the receiving end of a 2-0 defeat against defending champions Palmeiras when the teams clashed at Allianz Parque on Sunday.
Rogerio Ceni’s men headed into the locker room trailing courtesy of a stunning strike by Willian Estevao, who set up Rony’s clincher just past the hour mark.
With 27 points picked up from 15 matches this term, Maior do Nordeste sit fifth in the standings, one points clear of their upcoming opponents.
Off the back of defeats in each of their last three outings on the road, Wednesday’s visitors could really do with a positive result here as they look to turn their away fortunes around.
Athletico Paranaense Brasileiro form:
Bahia Brasileiro form:
Team News
Bahia’s Nicolas Acevedo remains unavailable for selection with a knee problem he picked up toward the back end of last season.
Forward Everaldo was on target for the away side the last time Wednesday’s opponents locked horns and will be looking to deliver the goods once again.
Tomas Cuello is set to miss a fifth straight game for Athletico Paranaense but the Argentine is closing in on a return to action.
Following a 11-game goal drought, Julimar has netted in two of his subsequent three appearances, making him one to keep an eye on.
Leo Linck is back from a one-game suspension and is expected to make an immediate return to the hosts’ starting lineup.
Athletico Paranaense possible starting lineup:
Linck; Godoy, Rocha, Heleno, Esquivel; Christian, Fernandinho, Zapelli, Erick, Julimar; Pablo
Bahia possible starting lineup:
Felipe; Gilberto, Xavier, Kanu, Juba; Alexandre, Lucas, De Pena, Cauly; Everaldo, Thaciano
We say: Athletico Paranaense 1-0 Bahia
Athletico Paranaense boast the second-best defensive record in the division and will be confident of keeping Bahia at bay here. We can see the home team emerging triumphant, albeit by only a narrow margin.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.