Fluminense vs Bahia Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

There’s a full round of Brasileirão fixtures over the weekend and our South American expert, Nathan Joyes, returns to provide his Fluminense vs Bahia prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview. 

• Fluminense vs Bahia Tip 1: Fluminense to win
• Fluminense vs Bahia Tip 2: Second half most goals
• Fluminense vs Bahia Tip 3: Kaua Elias anytime goalscorer

Fluminense vs Bahia Prediction 1: Back the hosts

Brazil, Brasileirão, Sunday, August 4th , 20:00 (UK)

After a troubling start to the season and Fernando Diniz’s departure, Flu have managed to return to some kind of form. Winning three of their last four matches, while drawing the other, there’s a much needed stability around the club that was severely lacking.

That appears to have something to do with Thiago Silva’s introduction, as well as the return of Fulham target Andre in the heart of midfield. Since the ex-Chelsea defender has been involved, he’s kept three clean sheets and allowed his defence to concede just one in those three starts.

Andre in the middle has been a calm head required to help push his teammates up the pitch and be more confident in front of goal. The Maracana continues to be filled with Flu fans on matchdays; their support can’t be knocked during the club’s difficult period.

Bahia’s early pre-season form has dropped off. Defeats to Cuiaba and Corinthians, before draws with Internacional and Atletico GO are far from promising if they are to compete for a Copa Libertadores spot.

Flu are on the way up, while Bahia have stalled, and it’s more than fair to side with the hosts that have a huge momentum swing in their favour.

• Fluminense vs Bahia Prediction 1: Fluminense to win
• Best Odds: 2.05
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Fluminense vs Bahia Prediction 2: A late winner?

New head coach Mano Menezes has worked on Flu’s defensive side of the game since coming in, and with Thiago Silva in the middle, they’ve been extremely difficult to break down – not even Palmeiras, the champions, had a sniff.                                                

It’s very much been a case of settling into the game, not making any mistakes or gifting the opponent any chances early on. The free flowing football we know and love from Flu is still there, it’s just not quite as relentless as it once was under Diniz.

Once settled, Flu have looked to overwhelm their opponents as the game progresses. In each of their last three games, they have scored in the second half – often late on – when other teams are tiring, Flu comes into their own. 

As mentioned, a trip to the Maracana is far from ideal for Bahia to get back on track, and having conceded in their last five matches, Flu can add to that with hopefully another late winner.                                                      

• Fluminense vs Bahia Prediction 2: Second half most goals
• Best Odds: 2.05
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Fluminense vs Bahia Prediction 3: Focus on new star

Both German Cano and John Kennedy have struggled to step up this season and that’s left the door open for 18-year-old Kaua Elias. 

Given opportunities off the bench under his new head coach, Elias has scored in three of his last five matches as he begins to earn more chances at senior level.

A late equaliser against Criciuma was followed up by the winner away to Cuiaba, as well as last time out vs Bragantino on the road. No doubt he’ll be desperate to grab his first senior goal in front of Flu fans at the Maracana.

These goals haven’t come by chance. The young Brazilian’s clever movement in the box has led him to be in the right place at the right time. His runs are timed to perfection, and his ability to finish with one touch is why he’s having so much success.

It feels as though there’s a new era forming at Flu, and Elias looks to be trusted to help dig his team out of trouble. He may only get 30 minutes once again, but he’s proven that’s more than enough time to find the back of the net.

• Fluminense vs Bahia Prediction 3: Kaua Elias anytime goalscorer
• Best Odds: 4.00
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 5/10

Fluminense vs Bahia Prediction odds via bet365 as at 12:30, July 30th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Fluminense vs Bahia Possible Lineups: Elias to start

Fluminense possible starting lineup:
  Fabio; Barbosa, Carlos, Silva, Xavier, Ganso, Martinelli, Andre, Cano, Elias, Arias

Bahia possible starting lineup:
Felipe; Juba, Duarte, Xavier, Gilberto, Biel, Cauly, de Pena, Alexandre, Thaciano, Everaldo

Fluminense vs Bahia Match Stats

• Fluminense are on a four match unbeaten run – their best in 2024.
• Bahia haven’t won their last four matches – their worst in 2024.
• Kaua Elias has scored in three of his last four matches.

Fluminense Fixtures

• Vs Juventude (H)
• Vs Vasco (A)
• Vs Gremio (A)
• Vs Corinthians (H)
• Vs Gremio (H)

Bahia Fixtures

• Vs Botafogo (H)
• Vs Vitoria (H)
• Vs Gremio (A)
• Vs Botafogo (H)
• Vs Bragantino (A)

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