Fresh from sacking their most successful manager in recent history, Fortaleza Esporte Clube return to Serie A action as they prepare to host high-flying Esporte Clube Bahia.

While Leao do Pici prepare to enter a new era, Bahiaco will be looking to continue their impressive run of form, which has seen them win four of their last five games across all competitions.

Match preview

There were emotional scenes outside of Fortaleza’s Pici headquarters last Tuesday as fans turned out in big numbers to bid farewell to their sacked manager, Juan Pablo Vojvoda.

The Argentine led the team for four years and steered the club through their most successful period in recent memory, winning five trophies and taking them to the Copa Libertadores for the very first time.

Things looked promising at the start of the 2025 campaign, with Fortaleza reaching the Campeonato Cearense final for the second year running, but things quickly deteriorated as the season went on.

Over the last few months, Leao do Pici won just four of their last 26 games across all competitions, including an eight-match losing run which the club are still trying to shake off.

With Fortaleza dropping into the relegation zone, the club decided to part ways with Vojvoda and replace him with Renato Paiva, who now has the tough task of turning the club’s fortunes around.

Bahia will be looking to take full advantage of Fortaleza’s troubles as the club eye their fifth win in six matches across all competitions.

One of those wins came against Leao do Pici as Bahia dumped out their rivals in the quarter-final of the Copa de Nordeste, courtesy of a 2-1 victory.

Rogerio Ceni’s men come into this latest fixture with serious momentum, winning their last three Serie A games, including a 3-0 demolition of title challengers Bragantino away from home.

Bahia have won three of their last four games against Fortaleza, and Bahiaco will be looking to continue that trend as they look to close the gap on their title rivals.

Fortaleza Brasileiro form:

W L L L L L

Fortaleza form (all competitions):

L L L L L L

Bahia Brasileiro form:

L W L W W W

Bahia form (all competitions):

L W W W W D

Team News

One major reason for Fortaleza’s recent downfall has been their monumental injury crisis, which has seen a number of their key players rooted to the sidelines.

Luckily for the team, a large chunk of their injured contingent are nearing returns, with the likes of Bruninho and Moises Vieira edging closer to full fitness.

The pair of David Luiz and Bruno Pacheco are expected to return later this month, while Marinho misses out through suspension.

Bahia are also nursing a handful of injuries, though the likes of Rezende and Kanu are expected to make their returns later this month.

The same cannot be said about Erick and Willian Jose, with both men expected to remain on the sidelines for another month or two.

Fortaleza possible starting lineup: Brenno; Tinga, Britez, Titi, Escobar; Welison, Pochettino, Hercules; Pikachu, Lucero, Deyverson

Bahia possible starting lineup: Felipe; Gilberto, Xavier, Hugo, Juba; Alexandre, Lucas; Thaciano, Souza, Everaldo; Estupinan

We say: Fortaleza 1-3 Bahia

Bahia are not only coming into this game in seriously good form, but they have already beaten Fortaleza in a recent cup game.

We are backing the visitors to continue their momentum and pick up a big win away from home as they take on a team in transition.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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