Grêmio vs Bahia Prediction: Grêmio has set its eyes on first place

The Brasileirão is on fire at the moment following Botafogo's debacle. Palmeiras' incredible victory at the Série A leaders' ground after trailing by three goals showed that anything is possible in this extraordinary competition. Botafogo has one game in hand, it's true, but it has not shown the mental strength to be crowned champion. So, several teams are ready to take the title away from the Cariocas, which seemed unthinkable until recently. One team that will undoubtedly have its eye on first place is Grêmio, currently six points off first place and on the rise.

After a long time without winning away from home, the Tricolor managed two victories at the grounds of América-MG and Coritiba in consecutive rounds. It was the best possible time for the club to overcome this mental block outside the Arena do Grêmio, with only seven games remaining in the Brasileirão. The Gaúchos are very strong at home, and in the remaining rounds, they have four games to play at home and three away, which is an advantage. However, the Immortal has to visit Botafogo, Atlético-MG, and Fluminense, so only if it surprises on its travels will it be able to finish in the top spot. A win against Bahia is a must.

Bahia beat Fluminense at home 1-0 but is still in an awkward position in the table. Vasco da Gama, the team at the top of the relegation zone, also won and now has 34 points, just three less than Bahia, so picking up a point in Porto Alegre is very important. Interestingly, the Tricolor Baiano is also just three points off 12th place, which grants access to the Copa Sudamericana, so for Bahia, heaven and hell are just six points apart.

Grêmio is the favorite, but I have to say that many recent Brasileirão matches have had unexpected outcomes. In the last round, there were five wins for the visitors. The teams are playing every three days, so the physical condition of the teams has a significant influence. This rhythm will continue until the end of the competition, so expect plenty of surprises. My bet, however, is on the home team.