46 points each and a battle for Libertadores football — who will stand firm in this duel? Prediction for Athletico Paranaense vs Bahia
The Brazilian Serie A clash between “Athletico Paranaense” and “Bahia” will take place on September 21 at Arena da Baixada in Curitiba. The rivals have collected 46 points apiece after 27 rounds: the hosts sit third, with the visitors right behind them in fourth.
Athletico Paranaense: the team rarely loses at home
After returning from the second division, Athletico Paranaense immediately joined the fight for the top spots. Their recent league results have been inconsistent: 3-3 draws with Fluminense and Coritiba were sandwiched around a 3-1 defeat to Cruzeiro.
At home, however, Odair Hellmann’s side looks far more reliable — five wins and five draws in their last ten matches on their own turf. Kevin Viveros, who has scored 18 goals in the league, remains a major absentee.
Bahia: four straight wins
Rogério Ceni’s team is enjoying an excellent run and is unbeaten in ten consecutive matches, recording five wins and five draws. Moreover, Bahia have won their last four Serie A fixtures.
In the previous rounds, the visitors defeated Vitória, Internacional, Bragantino and Remo in succession. However, their away record is less convincing: just two wins in their last ten matches on the road.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Athletico Paranaense and Bahia have 46 points apiece after 27 rounds and occupy third and fourth place respectively.
- Bahia have won their last four Serie A matches and are unbeaten in ten consecutive games.
- Athletico Paranaense have not lost any of their last ten home matches — five wins and five draws.
The margin for error is tiny: Athletico Paranaense vs Bahia prediction
Both teams are directly involved in the battle for the top spots, so there is little reason for either side to take excessive risks from the opening whistle. Bahia, in particular, could be cautious, as they have been less convincing away from home than on their own turf.
Athletico are traditionally more dependable at home, while the visitors can rely on compact defending and control of space. As a result, this encounter could be considerably more cagey than some of their recent matches.
