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

Brasileiro leaders Athletico Paranaense travel to Bahia on Friday in gameweek six of the league season.

The visitors have managed four wins from four at the start of their campaign, compared to their hosts who have registered eight points from their first five fixtures.

Match preview

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Bahia have had a mixed start to their 2021 Brazilian Serie A season as, after two wins, two draws and one loss, they currently sit seventh in the table.

Last time out Dado Cavalcanti's side had to settle for a goalless draw against Corinthians and, during that match, left-back Matheus Bahia picked up a suspension to rule him out of Friday's clash with the league leaders.

Failing to find the back of the net was a surprise for Bahia as they are one of the top-scoring sides in the early stages of the Serie A season and striker Gilberto is the league's leading goalscorer with four.

The 32-year-old was the key player for Bahia against Ceara last week, when his three-minute brace completed his side's comeback after initially going 1-0 down.

However, Gilberto may be facing his toughest opponents of the season so far on Friday when he will come up against the strongest defence in the Brasileiro this campaign.

Athletico Paranaense have only conceded one goal in their opening four matches, which came in their last outing against Atletico Goianiense.

That match saw Antonio Oliveira's side fall behind inside the first 15 minutes, but strikes from Matheus and Christian Cardoso meant that Paranaense's perfect start to the season continued.

Paranaense have played one less match than Bahia because their game against Flamengo, that was due to be played last Thursday, was postponed.

The club have not managed to win the Brasileiro since winning their first Serie A title in 2001 but they will be looking to build upon their positive start to this campaign.

Bahia and Paranaense last faced each other at the end of January when Bahia came out as 1-0 winners at the Arena Fonte Nova, which is where Friday's match will be played also.

Team News

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The home side will be without the suspended left-back Matheus Bahia, which will be an attacking loss for Cavalcanti's side as the 21-year-old has provided two assists in the league so far this season.

On loan Gremio full-back Juninho Capixaba is expected to fill in for Matheus Bahia, in a back four that will also consist of Renan Guedes, German Conti and Juninho.

Gilberto is certain to lead the line for the home side in a front three along with Rodriguinho and Rossi, the latter of whom will be looking to add to his two assists this campaign.

Bahia do have a long-term absentee in Juan Pablo Ramirez, who picked up a cruciate ligament injury in February and is expected to remain sidelined until October.

The visitors also have injury absentees for Friday's clash, most notably 21-year-old centre-back Lucas Halter, who will be out for the rest of the season with a foot injury.

Athletico Paranaense's Erick has not featured for his side this season and remains doubtful for Friday, while attacking player Nikao is also a doubt with a thigh injury.

A final absentee for the league leaders will be striker Matheus due to suspension, as he picked up his third consecutive yellow card against Atletico GO on Monday.

Goalkeeper Aderbar Santos will be looking for his fourth clean sheet of the season as he goes in pursuit of the Brasileiro Golden Gloves.

Bahia possible starting lineup:
Teixeira; Capixaba, Juninho, Conti, Guedes; Thaciano, Patrick, Daniel; Rodriguinho, Gilberto, Rossi

Athletico Paranaense possible starting lineup:
Santos; Abner, Ivaldo, Heleno, Henrique, Marcinho; Vitinho, Terans, Richard, Cardoso; Kayzer

We say: Bahia 1-2 Athletico Paranaense

Bahia's Gilberto has been in fine form in front of goal this season and he could cause problems for the strong Athletico Paranaense defence, so the home side have a chance to get onto the scoresheet on Friday.

However, the league leaders will come into this game full of confidence after their 100% start in the Brasileiro which should give them the edge in this tie.