In the early hours of Tuesday, Bahia and Santos clash at the Arena Fonte Nova in a game that could be crucial at the wrong end of the Serie A table.
Bahia form guideThe home team heads into this clash on the back of an inconsistent recent run of form in all competitions, as they have won two, lost two and drawn one of the previous five outings. Last time out, Bahia recorded a 4-2 win at Ceara.
The game was another high-scoring encounter for Bahia, as three of their previous four matches had produced over 2.5 goals.
Bahia’s recent inconsistent form in Serie A has left them just four points clear of the relegation zone in the Brazilian top flight.
Rogerio Ceni’s team is unbeaten in their last four home games in the Brazilian top flight, having recorded two wins and two draws. On the flip side, they have also won just three of their previous nine league games on home soil.
Santos form guideThe visitor's nightmare Serie A campaign continued last time out, as they suffered a 3-0 home defeat against Cruzeiro. The defeat means that Santos has lost four of their previous five matches in the Brazilian top flight.
Problems at both ends of the pitch have caused the recent poor run of league form. Santos has conceded at least two goals in all four recent league defeats while failing to score in each loss.
Santos have been woeful recent travellers as they head into this game on the back of six consecutive away defeats in Serie A. One of the main issues for Santos away from home has been a lack of goals, as they have scored just once in their last eight league games on their travels.
What am I backing?Bahia have been in decent form on home soil of late, while Santos struggles on their travels. With that in mind, I am backing the home win.