Bahia - Cruzeiro predictions and free betting tips [23/06/2024]

On Sunday, 23 June, in the 11th round of the Brazilian Serie A, "Bahia" will host "Cruzeiro" on their home turf. Last week, the Tricolour suffered a defeat against "Flamengo" with a score of 2:1, while the White and Blue secured a confident victory over "Fluminense" at home.

Bahia

After an impressive stretch of eight consecutive matches without a loss in the domestic championship, Bahia stumbled last week at the Maracanã, losing to the leading Flamengo. Midfielder Gerson opened the scoring in the 24th minute, and although Everaldo restored parity for the Tricolours, David Luiz scored the winning goal in the dying moments of the match. Despite missing the opportunity to leap to the top of Serie A, the hosts are still very pleased with their start to the season. Currently, the team occupies the fifth position in the standings, which is an excellent result considering that in 2023, the club narrowly avoided relegation. Rogerio Ceni's men have amassed maximum points from their last four home games this season, scoring five goals and conceding just once. This impressive home form sees Bahia ranked third in the overall standings. However, their defence remains a concern, having conceded 11 goals in 10 rounds - the worst record among the top nine teams in Serie A. Bahia will be without right-back Santiago Arias, who joined the Colombian national team for the Copa America in the USA. Gilberto Junior will continue in the vacant position in the coming rounds, while Nicolas Acevedo, on loan from New York City, sustained an ACL injury in January and will not return until September. Tiziano and Everaldo will lead the attack, with Ribeiro orchestrating the midfield play.

Cruzeiro

After a goalless draw with Vasco da Gama, Cruzeiro comfortably brushed aside a struggling Fluminense last week. Right-back William scored in both halves to secure all three points for the White and Blue. The visitors were promoted to the Brazilian top-flight in 2022 and narrowly avoided relegation last season; however, with 17 points this term, they occupy the sixth spot in the overall standings. The new head coach, Fernando Sibra, has been instrumental in their success: the 47-year-old has won eight and lost just two of his first 14 matches in charge. Notably, Cruzeiro has struggled away from home, collecting only five points from five away fixtures (13th best in Serie A). Despite their travel woes, their attack has been prolific, netting 14 goals in 10 rounds - only Flamengo (18) and Botafogo (17) have scored more. Cruzeiro will be without Jose Cifuentes, who has joined the Ecuadorian national team for the Copa America this summer.

Alvaro Barreal, who sustained a knee injury in the match against Cuiaba on 14 June, missed the last two rounds and will not recover in time for Sunday. Lucas Daniel Romero suffered a muscle injury in the duel with Vasco da Gama, so Machado will continue in midfield. The attacking trio will feature Veron, Robert, and Pereira, the latter having scored three goals and provided one assist in eight championship outings. Ivaldo and Marcelo will form the central defence, with Anderson donning the goalkeeper gloves.

Head-to-Head

Cruzeiro triumphed 3:0 in October last year, and Bahia has failed to secure a victory in their last three head-to-head meetings.

Match Prediction: Bahia vs Cruzeiro

With a 100% home record this campaign, Bahia is confident of returning to winning ways on Sunday evening. Despite their strong start to the season, Cruzeiro has not been impressive on the road, failing to score in their last two away matches. The hosts are highly motivated to close the gap on leaders Flamengo, so I'm backing a Bahia victory.

Total Goals Prediction

Both teams have been averaging around 1.5 goals per game this season, so we should expect an entertaining encounter. I'm predicting both teams to score.