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

Internacional travel north to Salvador on Sunday when they face Bahia at the Itaipava Fonte Nova Arena.

Overshadowed somewhat by the Copa America, Bahia will be looking to keep their good domestic form going against a hard-to-predict Internacional.

Match preview

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Bahia opened the season in style by defeating last season's Copa Libertadores runners-up Santos by three goals to nil. Thaciano scored twice in two minutes early in the second half and central defender Juninho made it 3-0 after seven second-half minutes.

Luis Cavalcanti's side faced Red Bull Bragantino, going well in the Copa Sudamericana, in their second Serie A match and came away with a point after a thrilling 3-3 tie.

Gilberto led the line once again and scored two of Bahia's goals ensuring they remain unbeaten in Serie A to date.

With their Copa Sudamericana run ending in the group stages, Bahia will turn their attention back to their league campaign, keen to ensure they are in a position to qualify for continental football once again next season.

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Internacional opened their season with a 2-2 draw at home to Sport Recife, when a penalty from Edenilson and a Rodrigo Lindoso goal gave Internacional a two-goal lead in the first half, only for Sport Recife to hit back in the second, levelling the match in the 86th minute.

Spanish manager Miguel Angel Ramirez has taken the Brazilian side into the knockout rounds of the Copa Libertadores and is performing well in only his third season of senior management.

Their previous Serie A match saw them capitulate against Fortaleza, losing 5-1 with two players being dismissed. Central defender Pedro Henrique was sent off just before half time with Internacional trailing by one goal to nil.

Fortaleza made it four after 55 minutes before a consolation goal from Bruno Praxedes, though Wellington Paulista made it five in the 86th minute. Vitor Hugo was the other player to be dismissed for Internacional, though as an unused substitute, his side finished with 10 men on the field.

There have been highs and lows for Ramirez already this season and he will be looking to bring consistency to this talented side.

Team News

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With the Copa America due to commence on Sunday June 13, clubs across Brazil will have to manage with some players representing their national sides.

Bahia will be lucky enough to have no players away on international duty, and Cavalcanti has a fully fit squad to choose from.

Internacional also have no players leaving for the Copa America after Paolo Guerrero's surprise exclusion from the Peru national side, although he has only just returned from a long injury layoff so will be unlikely to start.

Gabriel Boschilia and Rodrigo Moledo remain absent through injury and Pedro Henrique and Vitor Hugo will be suspended following their dismissals against Fortaleza.

Bahia possible starting lineup:

Claus; Guedes, Conti, Otavio, Bahia; De Lucca, Rossi, Galdezani, Thaciano, Rodriguinho; Gilberto

Internacional possible starting lineup:

Lomba; Saravia, Ribeiro, Cuesta, Moises; Lindoso, Vidal, Edenilson, Taison, Patrick; Alberto

We say: Bahia 2-0 Internacional

Bahia have had a tough start to the season on paper and remain unbeaten. Their ability against these sides has shown their intent going in to the new season and on current form we can see them collecting another three points at home.