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

Just a point separates Bahia and Ceara ahead of their Campeonato Brasileiro meeting on Wednesday, and the fixture will see Bahia head coach Guto Ferreira face the club he was sacked from at the end of August.

Ceara head into the contest in 14th position - one place above their opponents - and the visitors are aiming to end a six-game winless run.

Match preview

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After 23 games, Bahia were sat in 19th position with 23 points to their name, but a fine recent run of form has resulted in them exiting the relegation zone.

Bahia are currently on a four-match unbeaten run, which has seen them collect eight points in that period, and they ended the weekend two points clear of the relegation zone.

At the weekend, Bahia hosted bottom side Chapecoense with goals from Gilberto, Rai Nascimento and Luiz Otavio helping the home side to a 3-0 victory.

Ferreira's men's recent success has come courtesy of some impressive defensive displays, which has seen Bahia collect four consecutive clean sheets.

If Wednesday's hosts are to continue their unbeaten run then Gilberto is likely to be crucial to their efforts, with the striker looking to add to the 11 league goals he has scored this season.

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Ceara accumulated 28 points from 21 league games, but four points in their last six fixtures has seen Ceara drop slightly down the table.

Six games without a win will be a concern for Ceara, and they will be nervously looking over their shoulder after finishing the weekend just three points above the relegation zone.

Draws have been an issue this term for Ceara, with 14 of their league games ending all square and eight of those have come away from home.

Away form has also been a problem for Ceara, and they are still searching for their first away victory of the season.

No other team has scored fewer away goals than Ceara in the league this term, with Wednesday's visitors only scoring seven goals on their travels this season.

Team News

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Rossi is still unavailable for Bahia, with the forward absent due to a thigh problem.

Lucas Mugni will return to the starting lineup, after missing the previous encounter due to suspension, and that could mean Danielzinho drops to the bench.

Ferreira is likely to keep a front two, which means Bahia's top-scorer Gilberto will continue to partner Hugo Rodallega up front.

Meanwhile, Ceara have a few injury absentees, with Wendson and Vitor Jacare both missing, while Buiu is out for the rest of the season.

Fabinho came into the starting lineup against Juventude, and the midfielder is set to keep his place for the Bahia clash.

Bahia possible starting lineup:

Fernandes; Nino, Conti, Otavio, Bahia; Nascimento, Patrick, Mugni, Capixaba; Gilberto, Rodallega

Ceara possible starting lineup:

Riedi; Igor, Messias, Otavio, Pacheco; Fabinho, Marlon, Sobral; Erick, Lima, Cleber

We say: Bahia 1-1 Ceara

Bahia will fancy their chances against a Ceara side low on confidence, but with little to choose between the sides in the table, we think Ceara will have enough to collect a point.