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

Bahia will host Corinthians in the Brazilian Serie A on Sunday at the Itaipava Fonte Nova Arena.

Both sides come in to this match with varied form, still looking to build consistent momentum in the early stages of the season.

Match preview

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Currently in seventh place, Bahia are looking to steady their form in Serie A while still going well in the Copa do Brasil.

After having struggled to break down Internacional in a 1-0 defeat, Bahia manager Gustavo Henrique is keen to settle his side, who are looking to bounce back from their Copa Sudamericana exit.

Bahia got back to winning ways away at Ceara following their defeat to Internacional.

Gilberto scored twice in the 2-1 victory after Saulo had given Ceara the lead after 16 minutes, scoring firstly from the penalty spot then getting on the end of a low cross to finish with the outside of his right foot.

Corinthians have been saving their strongest performances for the toughest of opposition, earning a draw with Palmeiras, although they suffered defeat in their last match against Red Bull Bragantino.

Roni had given Corinthians the lead after 19 minutes, but Red Bull Bragantino took control of the second half and substitute Ramires scored in the 85th minute to earn his side all three points.

Manager Sylvinho started his playing career at Corinthians before a successful period in Europe, representing Arsenal, Celta Vigo, Barcelona and Manchester City.

He has learnt form some of the most successful managers in Europe and is still working on improving the levels of performance for his boyhood club.

Having gone out of the Copa do Brasil and Copa Sudamericana, Corinthians need to improve their league form quickly.

Team News

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Dado Cavalcanti will be looking to get the most out of his forward Gilberto, with the experienced striker scoring 11 goals in all competitions so far.

On-loan central defender Juninho will continue at the heart of the defence and is showing his importance in the side to help build a more solid defence.

Danilo Avelar is the only player unavailable through injury for Sylvinho, who otherwise has a fully fit side to choose from.

Experienced striker Jo could be called upon for Corinthians having been a regular in the Copa Sudamericana.

Twenty-two-year-old midfielder Roni looks set to continue in an advanced role following his first goal of the season, and the young midfielder is establishing himself as a key part of how Corinthians will play going forward.

Bahia possible starting lineup:

Teixeira; Guedes, Conti, Juninho, Bahia; De Lucca, Thaciano, Danielzinho, Rodriguinho, Rossi; Gilberto

Corinthians possible starting lineup:

Cassio; Fagner, Victor, Gil, Santos; Cantillo, Roni, Gabriel, Mosquito, Vital; Luan

We say: Bahia 3-1 Corinthians

Both sides have been in indifferent form, though Bahia are coming off a solid victory over Ceara. Gilberto will be a difficult forward for Corinthians to deal with, particularly as they have not had the most organised defence this season.

Sylvinho is still looking to stamp his mark on the side and with their continued adaptation to his style we can see Bahia taking control of this game.