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

Two sides looking to maintain their strong start to the Brasileiro season will clash when Flamengo host Bahia at the Maracana on Friday.

Both sides are on 18 points heading into this match, but the hosts are ahead due to a superior goal difference.

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Match preview

Flamengo were on the verge of defeat against Athletico Paranaense after conceding a penalty in the 92nd minute, but Gustavo Fernandes Araujo ensured the points were shared with a 99th-minute equaliser.

Tite's men have enjoyed a fine start to the 2024 campaign, but they relinquished top spot after the draw last time out. They are in second place with 18 points after nine matches, one point behind league leaders Botafogo.

The seven-time Brasileiro champions are unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions, while they are on a five-match unbeaten run in the league. However, their only league loss came at home against high-flying Botafogo.

Flamengo have dominated their meetings with the visitors in the last five years. Both sides have met seven times since the last time the hosts lost in this fixture, and the Rubro-Negros have won all seven.

Meanwhile, Bahia are unbeaten in their last eight league matches heading into this clash, having enjoyed a great start to the current Brasileiro campaign.

In their last league outing, Rogerio Ceni's men overturned a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 against Criciuma. Goals from Marcelo Hermes and Arthur saw them trailing, but Everaldo Stum and Caio Alexandre helped restore parity for the Bahiaco.

Since losing their opening league fixture at Internacional (2-1), they are unbeaten in five successive away fixtures, one of which was a win over league leaders Botafogo.

Across all competitions, Bahia are unbeaten in their last five games on the road, including a 2-0 victory over Criciuma in Copa do Brasil earlier in May.

However, they have struggled on their trips to Flamengo, winning just once in 12 visits, losing eight and drawing three times.

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Team News

Flamengo are going to be without up to five players who are away on international duty with their countries.

Erick Pulgar, Nicolas De La Cruz, Matias Vina, Guillermo Varela and Giorgian de Arrascaeta are all away at the Copa America for the next couple of weeks.

Fabricio Bruno will also miss Friday's clash through suspension after accumulating an unhealthy number of yellow cards.

Pedro is expected to lead the line once again while Luiz Araujo, Lorran and Bruno Henrique provide support behind the striker.

Bahia have one absentee for this match, with 32-year-old Colombian right-back Santiago Arias away at the Copa America.

Thaciano returned from suspension to start in a front two alongside Everaldo last time out, and this duo is expected in attack once again.

Flamengo possible starting lineup: Rossi; Pereira, Bruno, Luiz, Franca; Gerson, Ortiz; Henrique, Araujo, Everton; Pedro

Bahia possible starting lineup: Marcos; Gilberto, Xavier, Cuesta, Juba; Alexandre; Ribeiro, Lucas; Souza; Thaciano, Everaldo

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We say: Flamengo 1-1 Bahia

This is shaping up to be a tricky encounter based on current form. However, despite their good spell, Bahia have not managed to win more than once away from home. Flamengo, on the other hand, have shown some vulnerability at home this season. For these reasons, we are predicting a draw.

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

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