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

Flamengo finally appear to have some momentum on their side ahead of Sunday's Brasileiro clash with Bahia at Fonte Nova Arena.

The reigning champions have won back-to-back games in all competitions and could potentially climb into the top six with victory this weekend.

Match preview

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The Scarlet-Black have won the Brasileiro in successive years, but retaining their crown once again this term looks unlikely on the basis of the opening two months of the campaign.

After a slow start to the season, Flamengo took the big decision to dismiss Rogerio Ceni earlier this week and bring in recently-sacked Gremio boss Renato Gaucho.

Gaucho saw his new side beat Defensa y Justicia 1-0 in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores last-16 tie in midweek, keeping them on course for continental silverware.

That followed on from a 2-1 win against Chapecoense last time out in the league, with late goals from Giorgian De Arrascaeta and Michael earning their side a comeback victory.

Flamengo could now do with winning successive league matches for just the second time this season, knowing that three points here would take them above opponents Bahia.

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The hosts were not in action in midweek, giving them more time to stew on last weekend's 1-0 loss to Sao Paulo - Igor Liziero scoring a 92nd-minute winner in that contest.

Dado Cavalcanti's charges are still sixth in the Brasileiro standings heading into this weekend's fixtures, four points off the top four.

Despite their underwhelming results, only Corinthians (eight) have conceded fewer goals than the nine let in by Flamengo this season.

Bahia will be confident of breaching the visitors' defence, however, as they have scored six goals in their last three home outings.

Team News

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Bahia will hope to have German Conti available for this game following a month-long absence, though the defender is unlikely to slot straight back into the starting lineup.

Danielzinho is also back in contention after serving a one-match ban against Sao Paulo, so Jonas may make way.

As for the visitors, Gaucho may consider making some changes for his first Brasileiro match in charge.

Bruno Henrique and Diego remain absent for Flamengo due to injury, but Rodrigo Caio should return to the fold this weekend.

Gabriel Barbosa made his return to action in the midweek cup win against Defensa y Justicia following a spell away with Brazil and should retain his place here.

Bahia possible starting lineup:
Teixeira; Paraiba, Otavio, Ligger, Bahia; Araujo, De Lucca, Danielzinho; Rossi, Gilberto, Rodriguinho

Flamengo possible starting lineup:
Alves; Isla, Henrique, Caio, Luis; Gomes, Maia, Ribeiro, De Arrascaeta; Pedro, Gabi

We say: Bahia 1-2 Flamengo

Flamengo enter this game on the back of successive wins in all competitions and will be hoping the new manager effect continues with three more points here.

Bahia were undone by a late goal last time out, and we can see them losing successive matches for just the second time this season.