Preview: Athletico Paranaense vs. Bahia - prediction, team news, lineups

Athletico Paranaense head into Saturday's fixture with Bahia looking to strengthen their position in the top seven of the Brasileiro standings.

In sharp contrast, Bahia are looking to move outside of the relegation zone, a task made tougher by failing to win any of their last four matches.

Match preview

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Having witnessed Athletico PR's five-match winning streak ended by Flamengo in clinical fashion, Antonio Oliveira would have had concerns ahead of their following clash with Atletico Goianiense.

However, his side returned to winning ways, scoring goals either side of half time to move to within six points of second place.

David Terans continued his fine league campaign, the playmaker scoring his fifth strike to take his overall goal contributions to 12.

The Red and Black also ended a four-game wait for a clean sheet in Brazil's top flight, a necessary improvement with goal difference potentially playing its part with regards to continental qualification.

While everyone associated with Athletico PR are currently on a high, the same cannot be said of Bahia who are now struggling to survive in the top flight.

Tricolor have suffered back-to-back defeats away at Internacional and Corinthians, the five goals conceded leaving them with the joint-worst defensive record in the division.

With their last two opponents sitting in the top eight of the table, Guto Ferreira will not necessarily be feeling too despondent at this stage.

Nevertheless, with two more tough fixtures to follow the one at the weekend, Bahia are at risk of finding themselves cut adrift from 16th position unless they get back on track.

On a positive note, top goalscorer Gilberto ended his five-game wait for his ninth strike of the season in the last match.

Team News

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Despite their victory last time out, a relentless schedule should see Oliveira make several changes to his Athletico PR starting lineup.

Nicolas is expected to replace Abner at left wing-back, while Pedro Rocha is an alternative to Terans who was substituted during the early stages of the second half three days ago.

Kayzer may get the nod in attack over Bissolo, who has failed to score in his last three starts.

Bahia will have to make do without Lucas Araujo after the midfielder was dismissed in the first half against Corinthians.

Rodriguinho could return in the centre of the pitch, while Renan Guedes may get a run out at right-back in place of veteran Nino Paraiba.

Athletico Paranaense possible starting lineup:
Santos; Ivaldo, Henrique, Fasson; Marcinho, Erick, Richard, Abner; Nikao, Terans; Kayzer

Bahia possible starting lineup:
Claus; Guedes, Henrique, Otavio, Capixaba; Danielzinho, Licca, Rodriguinho, Mugni; Anderson, Gilberto

We say: Athletico Paranaense 3-1 Bahia

With these two clubs seemingly on different trajectories, we can only back one winner. While the visitors may get on the scoresheet, Athletico PR should have enough quality to win relatively comfortably.