Palmeiras vs Bahia Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

Round six of Brazil Serie A takes place this weekend and our expert Nathan Joyes has provided his Palmeiras vs Bahia Best Bet, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.

Abel Ferreira’s team are top of the tree after five matches, having won four and drawn one in the opening month. Last weekend Nathan landed his best bet as Palmeiras beat Fortaleza – their first defeat at home since November 2023 – and they’ll aim to maintain their good form back at home against Bahia.

The City Group owned club won their last league match 1-0 against recently promoted Ceara – relying on a 115th minute penalty to get them over the line. However, a trip to Sao Paulo will cause more problems.

Palmeiras vs Bahia Prediction: Early season promise to continue

Brazil, Brazil Serie A, Sunday, April 27th, 22:30 (UK)

It has been an almost flawless start to life this season domestically for Palmeiras, who have only dropped two points from their opening five matches. Admittedly, Abel Ferreira’s side have spent over $100m, but to get his team working as a unit already has been rather impressive.

Three league wins in a row – against arch-rivals Corinthians, title contenders Internacional and Fortaleza – a side that went unbeaten at home in 2024 – have shown they are the team to beat this season.

A midweek trip to Bolivia is far from ideal, but this isn’t Ferreira’s first rodeo with the hectic South American schedule, and it would be a surprise if he didn’t rest key players for their match in La Paz.

With his squad relatively fresh and ready to tackle Bahia, everything points towards a comfortable home victory – especially with their opponents facing a tricky Libertadores match where they are likely to have fielded a strong side.

It has been a mixed start to the campaign for Bahia. A 2-2 draw on their travels was followed with a heavy 3-0 defeat against Cruzeiro – and although their home form has been better, it has left a lot to be desired.

A 1-1 draw against recently promoted Mirassol frustrated fans, before a 115th minute – that’s right – penalty bailed them out as they narrowly beat another promoted side, Ceara.

Recent trips to Allianz Parque haven’t been ideal, either. They’ve lost their last four, and you have to go back to 2012 the last time they beat Palmeiras on their own patch. However, it’s worth noting Palmeiras were relegated that season – and much has changed since.

Back in 2025, it doesn’t look as though Bahia are going to buck that trend. Their performances on the road has seen them ship five goals in just two matches – and Cruzeiro missed a penalty that could have made it four.

Possession hasn’t been an issue, often dominating the ball and sheer volume of passes, but a lack of quality in the final third – combined with poor defending – has cost them.

Palmeiras have shown already how deadly they can be when transitioning up the pitch, as we saw last weekend against Fortaleza. Flaco Lopez, Estevao and Facundo Torres are building a solid relationship, while it’s only a matter of time before Vitor Roque explodes.

The home win is too short around 1.55, but there’s no reason why one can’t bring two having seen Bahia fold so easily against Cruzeiro. 

• Palmeiras vs Bahia Prediction: Palmeiras -0.75 Asian Handicap
• Best Odds: 1.750
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Palmeiras vs Bahia Prediction odds via bet365 as at 16:00, April 22nd, 2025. Odds may now differ.

Palmeiras vs Bahia Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups

Abel Ferreira is likely to protect his key assets – including Estevao and Vitor Roque – and not play them in La Paz, which means his preferred forwards will be well rested ahead of this clash. There may be some rotation – perhaps in the midfield areas – for those that struggle to cope with the sheer volume of games and high altitude in Bolivia.

Vitor Roque has yet to score for his new club – but Flaco Lopez has been excellent in his place. Ferreira has a tough decision on who to start on Sunday.

Bahia have been riding their luck a little, but have clearly been exposed on their travels. Former Flamengo midfielder Everton Ribeiro saved them against Ceara, and although he started on the bench, the experienced midfielder may be brought in from the beginning.

Forward Erick Pulga has scored two goals this season – against Mirassol and Nacional – and he will once again be their main threat.

Palmeiras possible starting lineup:
Weverton; Piquerez, Micael, Gomez, Fuchs, Anderson, Rios, Martinez, Estevao, Torres, Roque

Bahia possible starting lineup:
Felipe; Borduchi, Ramos, Duarte, Gilberto, Rodrigo, Erick, Acevado, Ademir, Pulga, Rodriguez

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