Bahia vs Athletico-PR Prediction: It's going to be a nerve-wracking game for the Baianos

In the last five matches, Bahia has won one and lost four, dropping back down the table and worrying its fans. Before that, the Baianos had won three games in a row, giving everyone the idea that they would go into the last phase of the championship more relaxed. The 3-0 home defeat against Cuiabá in the last round will put the team under even more pressure, so expect a lot of nerves in the upcoming match with Athletico at the Arena Fonte Nova.

The Squadron is in 15th place but has the same 37 points as Vasco and Cruzeiro, which have one game in hand. Cruzeiro is in 17th place and sits in the relegation zone as it has fewer wins, so Bahia's situation is not at all secure. The Tricolor's schedule isn't the worst of the teams fighting relegation, but the team needs to pick up points, especially at home. After losing to Cuiabá, the Baianos must not suffer another defeat at home if their confidence is not to plummet.

The Hurricane hasn't won in four matches and is starting to see the sixth place, which grants access to the Copa Libertadores qualifying round, slipping further and further away—four points separate Athletico-PR and Atlético-MG, 7th and 6th respectively. The team greatly felt the loss of Vitor Roque to injury due to his goals and aggressive attitude. Athletico has only won two in the nine games missed by the future Barcelona player since his injury, so there is a strong possibility that the Hurricane will have to play in the Copa Sudamericana next year—only victory matters for the Paranaenses against Bahia.

Bahia must win, but there's a lot of pressure on the players, who have to control their anxiety. Athletico-PR is a good team and also needs a victory to get closer to the top six, so there's no clear favorite. I'm betting on the home team using a Double Chance with a goal limit because it won't be easy to beat the Paranaenses.