Preview: Fluminense vs. Bahia - prediction, team news, lineups

Both Fluminense and Bahia are looking to create a gap between themselves and the relegation zone, but only one team will achieve that when they meet at the Estadio Jornalista Mario Filho on Monday.

The two teams currently claim 18 points, which places them two points above Gremio, who occupy the final relegation position after 17 matches have been played in the Brasileiro.

Match preview

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Fluminense's 2021 campaign has fallen very short compared to the heights which they reached last year, when the team finished fifth in the Brasileiro and qualified for the Copa Libertadores.

Despite a poor start to their domestic season, Roger Machado's side progressed to the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores, but just missed out on a place in the last four to Barcelona SC, who won the tie on away goals.

Away from league action again, Fluminense played Atletico Mineiro, for the second time in three days, in the Copa do Brasil last time out, but fell to a 2-1 defeat at home in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

Fluminense's last Brasileiro fixture came on Tuesday and Fred had given his side the lead in the first half, but Machado's team could not hold on to the three points after Eduardo Sasha equalised for Atletico Mineiro.

Heading into this weekend's game, Fluminense have not won in the league since July 10, and are currently on a six-game winless run in all competitions.

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Bahia have also not won in the Brasileiro since the beginning of July, extending that run to seven games last Saturday with defeat against Gremio.

The three points were very important to Gremio, who closed the gap between themselves and Bahia to two points, and the home team were deserved winners over Dado Cavalcanti's side, who were not effective enough with the chances they created.

Bahia's record in front of goal this season is better than all of the teams below them and many of the teams just above them in the league, but they have the second worst defensive stats which has made it difficult to climb the table.

Matheus Teixeira has conceded 24 of the 28 goals Bahia have let in this season, and only bottom side Chapecoense have seen more goals against them.

Bahia are having a similar season to last year when they finished 14th in the Brasileiro, but their form will have to improve if they are to surpass that or even just avoid relegation.

Team News

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Attacking players Abel Hernandez and Luiz Henrique both picked up their third yellow card of the season against Atletico Mineiro on Tuesday, therefore they will be suspended for this fixture.

Winger Caio Paulista has been absent from the side since the end of July with a thigh injury, and he is unlikely to be fit enough to feature for Fluminense on Monday.

Paulo Ganso and Hudson will not be able to return to the matchday squad for over a month, meaning that Machado has quite a few shortages in the attacking half of the pitch.

Loanee goalkeeper Danilo Fernandes will not be available to Bahia as he is recovering from a rib injury, meaning Teixeira will continue between the posts for the visitors.

Juan Pablo Ramirez and Thonny Anderson are also injured meaning that they will miss Monday's game, which gives Bahia fewer creative options as well.

Fluminense possible starting lineup:
Felipe; Egidio, Claro, Nino, Samuel; Andre, Martinelli; Lucca, Yago, Teixeira; Fred

Bahia possible starting lineup:
Teixeira; Bahia, Otavio, Conti, Paraiba; Raniele; Mugni, Danielzinho, Patrick, Rossi; Rodriguinho

We say: Fluminense 0-1 Bahia

With many attacking players ruled out due to injury for both sides, it suggests that this game will be low scoring with only one goal to separate the two sides.

Bahia will be wary that Fluminense and Gremio have a game in hand on them, and that is why three points against a team around them in the table is vital to try to open a gap between themselves and the relegation zone.