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

Bahia will travel to the Arena Pantanal on Sunday looking to pick up their first victory in four Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A games as they play Cuiaba in a historic match.

On the other hand, the hosts will be hoping to start finding some more consistency in their maiden season in the top flight, with a potential victory putting them just one point behind the visitors.

Match preview

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Bahia will play Cuiaba for the first time ever this weekend, with the two teams having never met previously, making this a match for the history books.

The Dourado enjoyed promotion to Serie A last season after a remarkably fast rise up the ranks, having only formed as a club back in 2001, and they are aiming to retain their place in the league this year.

Jorginho's team have been enjoying life in the Brazilian elite league, but with only two victories to their name so far this season, the need for more consistent wins is vital for the team to survive.

Cuiaba currently sit just above the relegation zone with 13 points, though they do have a game in hand on three of the four clubs below them, which is something that could prove to be crucial.

However, despite only picking up two wins, this season has not been a disaster as Jorginho's men have drawn seven games so far, having only lost four times, which is fewer than their opponents.

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Bahia, who have lost seven games already this season, find themselves in 10th place at the moment, and the side travels to Cuiaba in poor form with four defeats on the bounce in the league, which has seen Dado Cavalcanti's team begin to slip.

The visitors have only scored one goal in Serie A since June, while they have also conceded 12 in that period which is form that has put Cavalcanti under pressure, as he hopes to guide the team to a top 10 finish for the first time since 2001.

However, Bahia will be able to take confidence from the fact that they did pick up a victory in their previous outing, which came in the Copa do Brasil, where they defeated Atletico Mineiro 2-1, although it was not enough to overcome their first-leg loss.

Bahia have only managed to secure two victories on their travels this season, with just one clean sheet away from home, but with Gilberto having scored seven goals already this season, they do have a threat up front.

Team News

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Bahia have been without Indio Ramirez for over half a year due to his ruptured ACL, and Cavalcanti is set to be missing the Colombian midfielder once again on this occasion, which will likely see club captain Rodriguinho retain his place in the side.

Having found the back of the net in their last fixture, Rossi will also be hoping to keep his spot in the team, as will new signing Lucas Mugni, who was able to start in the recent cup fixture.

Goalkeeper Matheus Teixeira returned to the starting lineup against Atletico Mineiro, and he will also be expected to retain his place in the team following the victory.

For the hosts, they will be boosted by the return of Anderson Conceicao in the heart of the back four after he served his suspension, which will help an already strong defensive setup.

Walter was able to overcome an injury concern to start in the recent 0-0 draw against Internacional, and he will likely retain his place in the team having been trusted as Jorginho's number one since the manager's arrival.

Cuiaba possible starting lineup:
Walter; Lucas, Marllon, Conceicao, Uendel; Camilo, Pepe, Correia, Clayson; Gava; Jenison

Bahia possible starting lineup:
Teixeira; Paraiba, Conti, Capixaba, Otavio; Daniel, De Lucca; Rossi, Mugni, Rodriguinho; Gilberto

We say: Cuiaba 2-1 Bahia

While Bahia are the far more experienced side at this level, the visitors are heading into this game under very poor form and a lack of momentum, which is something that could see them struggle.

Cuiaba might have picked up more draws than victories so far this season, but they have proven themselves to be difficult to break down and with a home advantage, they should have enough to secure the three points.