Atletico Mineiro vs Bahia Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

The Brasileirão action continues this weekend and South American expert Nathan Joyes is back to provide his Atlético Mineiro vs Bahia prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview. 

Tipped by Nathan to win the league, Mineiro have started rather brightly and are currently enjoying a 12 match unbeaten run in all competitions. Their visitors, Bahia, are joint top after six matches, and Galo will need to be wary of their threat.

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• Atlético Mineiro vs Bahia Tip 1: Atlético Mineiro to Win
• Atlético Mineiro vs Bahia Tip 2: Paulinho to Score Anytime
• Atlético Mineiro vs Bahia Tip 3: Gustavo Scarpa to Score Anytime

Atletico Mineiro vs Bahia Prediction 1: Galo to gain three points

Brazil, Brasileirão, Sunday, May 19th, 23:00 (UK)

The hosts have played twice at MRV Arena this campaign, hammering Cruzeiro 3-0 but were also held to a frustrating 1-1 draw with new boys Criciuma. 

However, Gabriel Milito’s side have endured plenty of success on the road in all competitions and head into this fixture full of confidence. Galo took Cuiaba apart scoring three goals, before fighting back to draw with Fluminense.

Under their new Argentine coach, they’ve shown resilience on their travels yet dominance at home which will see them run close for the title if their approach can be maintained.

New signing Gustavo Scarpa has returned to Brazilian football and has slotted in as though he’s never been away. Although Hulk and Paulinho were two of the best attackers in the league last year, they lacked anyone in behind to give them the service they truly deserved.

Currently enjoying a 12 match unbeaten run, which includes eight victories, Mineiro have turned into a well oiled machine in their new home and have the capability to beat anyone in front of their own fans.

Bahia, although joint-top of the league, lost 2-1 to Internacional and drew 2-2 with Vitoria on the road. Yet to keep a clean sheet on their travels, they should prove vulnerable against one of the best teams in the league.

• Atlético Mineiro vs Bahia Prediction 1: Atlético Mineiro to Win
• Best Odds: 1.77
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Atletico Mineiro vs Bahia Prediction 2: Golden Boot winner to score

Picking up from last season, Paulinho has the capabilities to win the Golden Boot once again. With four goals from his last six appearances across all competitions, the 23-year-old continues to show why he is one of the best, if not the best, in Brazil.

As well as performing incredibly well in the Copa Libertadores, Paulinho has scored against Cruzeiro and Cuiabá back in the domestic league. Last season Hulk was on penalties, but it appears as though there has been a shift under their new manager.

The Golden Boot winner is now appearing to be responsible from 12 yards, which adds another bonus to our second pick.

Just because he is responsible from the penalty spot, that isn’t the only reason why we are backing the Brazilian.

One of the deadliest movers and finishes in the league, Paulinho is the ultimate poacher yet capable of bullying defenders in the air. Priced at 3.0, the young striker will have chances created for him in an intimidating environment for the visitors.

• Atlético Mineiro vs Bahia Prediction 2: Paulinho to score anytime
• Best Odds: 3.00
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Atletico Mineiro vs Bahia Prediction 3: Scarpa to strike for hosts

If Paulinho isn’t to find the back of the net, it’s impossible to not turn towards the former Palmeiras midfielder.

Operating on the right wing in either a 4-5-1 or 4-3-3, Gustavo Scarpa has adapted back in Brazil better than most would have anticipated.

With six goals to his name across all competitions, we’ve seen a range of different finishes from the former Brazilian player of the year.

Whether it’s his trademark cut in and curling finish from the right hand side, clever set pieces or finding space inside the box, the 30-year-old is relishing his new found opportunity.

Bahia have conceded five goals in their three away games to date, and having to keep an eye on both Hulk and Paulinho, this may once again create the space for Scarpa to find the back of the net.

Life didn’t work out for Scarpa in Europe, but as one of the best midfielders in Brazil, Scarpa will be an important player as Mineiro looks to win silverware this season.

• Atlético Mineiro vs Bahia Prediction 3: Gustavo Scarpa to score anytime
• Best Odds: 4.00
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Atlético Mineiro vs Bahia Prediction odds via bet365 as at 15:00, May 7th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Atletico Mineiro vs Bahia Team News and Possible Lineups: No fresh injury concerns

Both teams head into this fixture with no new injury concerns to worry about. Milito is having to manage Mineiro competing in the Copa Libertadores, with a midweek fixture against Penarol in Uruguay to contend with. However, they have already qualified for the knockout stage, so expect key players to be rested.

Bahia are not competing in any other tournaments outside of Brazil, which is perhaps why they have started strongly. The addition of Everton Ribeiro from Flamengo in the middle of the park has been one of those reasons. 

Atletico Mineiro possible starting lineup:
Everson; Lemos, Bruno Fuchs, Renzo Saravia, Alisson, Zaracho, Franco, Otavio, Scarpa, Hulk, Paulinho

Bahia possible starting lineup:
  Marcos Felipe; Luciano Juba, Kanu, Gabriel Xavier, Arias, Thaciano, Cauly, Everton Ribeiro, Jean Lucas, Caio Alexandre, Everaldo

Match Stats: Hosts to maintain unbeaten run

• Atletico Mineiro haven’t lost in 12 matches across all competitions, stretching back to February 3rd.
• Mineiro has beaten Bahia in their last three head-to-head matches at home.
• Gustavo Scarpa has scored six goals in all competitions since returning back to Brazil.

Atlético Mineiro Fixtures: Congested fixture list ahead

• Vs Sport Recife (A)
• Vs Bragantino (A)
• Vs Caracas (H)
• Vs Palmeiras (H)
• Vs Vitoria (A)

Bahia Fixtures: F

• Vs Criciuma (A)
• Vs Flamengo (H)
• Vs Cruzeiro (H)
• Vs Vasco (H)
• Vs Sao Paulo (A)

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