Bahia vs Cruzeiro Prediction predictions for this Brazilian Serie A clash. Bahia, aiming to avoid consecutive defeats for the first time in 2024, host top-six hopefuls Cruzeiro at Arena Fonte Nova on Sunday. Read on for our free Brazilian Serie A predictions and betting tips.
Brasileiro | Jun 23, 2024 at 8pm UK at Arena Fonte Nova
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Bahia vs Cruzeiro Predictions
Can Bahia Continue Their Perfect Home Record Against Cruzeiro?
Key Stats
– Bahia have won all four of their home matches this season, conceding only one goal.
– Everaldo is the joint top scorer in the league with five goals.
– Cruzeiro have failed to score in their last two away matches.
Bahia will be keen to avoid consecutive defeats for the first time this year as they welcome Cruzeiro to Arena Fonte Nova on Sunday. This Brasileiro clash sees two teams with high hopes for the top six positions going head-to-head. Bahia, coming off a narrow defeat, will face a Cruzeiro side fresh from a routine victory over the league’s bottom dwellers.
Match Preview and Team Performance
Bahia started their Brasileiro campaign strongly, remaining unbeaten in eight matches after an opening day loss to Internacional. However, their recent defeat to Flamengo highlighted some vulnerabilities. Despite scoring an equaliser through Everaldo—his fifth goal of the season—Bahia conceded a late winner, missing out on a valuable point. Sitting fifth in the table, Bahia have surpassed expectations, especially considering they narrowly avoided relegation last season.
Their home form has been impeccable, winning all four home fixtures while conceding only one goal. Rogerio Ceni’s team have shown resilience and efficiency, which will be crucial against Cruzeiro.
Cruzeiro have had a mixed start to their campaign but managed to secure a comfortable win against Fluminense in their last outing. This victory came after a disappointing goalless draw against Vasco da Gama. Cruzeiro, promoted to the top tier in 2022, narrowly escaped relegation last term. Now, they sit sixth in the standings, just below Bahia.
Key to Cruzeiro’s success has been Matheus Pereira, who has been instrumental with three goals and one assist. Their defensive solidity has also been a highlight, with Cruzeiro keeping five clean sheets in their last ten away matches.
Expected Lineups and Tactical Setup
Bahia’s lineup is expected to feature Felipe in goal, with Junior, Xavier, Kanu, and Luciano forming the backline. The midfield will likely comprise Alexandre, Lucas, Ribeiro, and Souza, with Thiciano and Everaldo leading the attack. Everaldo, the current top scorer, will be pivotal in their offensive strategy.
Cruzeiro will probably field Anderson in goal, with William, Ivaldo, Marcelo, and Marlon in defence. The midfield trio of Silva, Machado, and Ramiro will support the attacking trio of Veron, Robert, and Pereira. Matheus Pereira, who has been a standout performer, will be essential in linking play and creating scoring opportunities.
Key Battles and Tactical Insights
The midfield clash will be a critical battleground, with Bahia’s Alexandre and Lucas up against Cruzeiro’s Silva and Machado. Bahia’s duo will need to dominate possession and control the tempo to facilitate their attacking plays. The creative abilities of Ribeiro and Souza will be tested against Cruzeiro’s solid defence.
In the attack, Everaldo will be a constant threat, seeking to exploit any defensive lapses from Cruzeiro. His form and positioning will be crucial as Bahia look to maintain their home winning streak.
Cruzeiro’s Pereira will be key in breaking down Bahia’s defence, using his vision and technical skills to create chances for Veron and Robert. The defensive pairing of Xavier and Kanu for Bahia will have to be at their best to neutralise this threat.
Gameplay Predictions
Given the statistical data and recent performances, Bahia are likely to control possession, averaging 52.3% per game, and create more scoring chances. They average 12.5 shots per game, with 4.1 on target, highlighting their offensive capabilities. Cruzeiro, with their average possession of 49.9% and 12.6 shots per game, will likely adopt a counter-attacking approach, relying on quick transitions and set pieces.
Areas of Improvement
For Bahia, maintaining focus in the dying minutes will be crucial, as their recent loss to Flamengo showed. They need to convert more of their big chances, currently averaging two per game, to secure victories. Defensively, ensuring that they don’t concede late goals will be key to sustaining their strong home record.
Cruzeiro need to improve their away form, particularly their scoring efficiency. Increasing their shot accuracy and creating more high-quality chances will be vital. Fernando Seabra must also find ways to inspire his squad to perform consistently on the road.
Managerial Analysis
Rogerio Ceni has successfully guided Bahia to exceed expectations this season, with his tactical acumen and ability to motivate his squad being significant factors. However, ensuring his team remains consistent and focused throughout the match will be critical.
Fernando Seabra of Cruzeiro has managed to stabilise the team and secure important victories, but his tactical flexibility and ability to adapt will be tested against Bahia. His challenge will be to inspire Cruzeiro to maintain their form away from home.
Predictions
Best Bet: Bahia to Win Given Bahia’s perfect home record and Cruzeiro’s inconsistent away performances, backing Bahia to secure a win seems prudent. Their strong defensive record and Everaldo’s goal-scoring form bolster their chances.
Correct Score Prediction: Bahia 2-0 Cruzeiro Considering Bahia’s solid defence and Cruzeiro’s struggles on the road, a 2-0 victory for Bahia appears likely. Bahia have the attacking edge and defensive resilience to secure a clean sheet and score a couple of goals.
Goalscorer Prediction: Everaldo to Score Everaldo, currently leading the goal-scoring charts, is in excellent form. His ability to find the net makes him a strong candidate to score at least once in this match, especially against a defence that has shown vulnerabilities.
First Half Result Prediction: Bahia Leading Bahia’s strong home form suggests they will come out aggressively and aim to take control early. They have consistently performed well in the first half, making it likely they will lead at halftime.
Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target for Bahia Over 4.5 Bahia average 4.1 shots on target per game, and given their attacking intent at home, betting on them to have over 4.5 shots on target offers good value. Their offensive strategy and the form of their forwards support this prediction.
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