After back-to-back draws in the Brazilian Serie A, Fluminense are sixth in the standings and nine points off first-place Botafogo. In round No 12, Fluminense will welcome Bahia to the Estadio Jornalista Mário Filho.
A win for Fluminense over Bahia could see them move into the Serie A top four depending on results elsewhere in the division. Manager Fernando Diniz will hope the team can rebound from their 1-1 draw with Atletico MG in midweek.
O #TimeDeGuerreiros se reapresentou nesta quinta-feira e iniciou a preparação para a partida contra o Bahia. pic.twitter.com/5VqQHDlEz5— Fluminense F.C. (@FluminenseFC) June 22, 2023
O #TimeDeGuerreiros se reapresentou nesta quinta-feira e iniciou a preparação para a partida contra o Bahia. pic.twitter.com/5VqQHDlEz5
Samuel Xavier’s goal wasn’t enough for Big Flu to win the match. Saturday’s game against Bahia will be the teams’ first meeting since 2021. Fluminense won their last three games against Bahia played at the Estadio Jornalista Mário Filho. Diniz will expect another victory.
Bahia are 14th in the standings ahead of round No 12. The Steel Squadron go into the fixture unbeaten in their last three games, with one win and a draw. Manager Renato Paiva is in his first season with Bahia after joining the club in the offseason.
Last time out, Paiva led Bahia to a surprise 1-0 win over Palmeiras. Left-wing Thaciano scored the game’s only goal to send Bahia to the win.
Fluminense are playing well at home this season. Big Flu took 11 points from 15 points on offer at home. They have not lost at the Estadio Jornalista Mário Filho in Serie A play. Fluminense conceded the second-fewest goals at home (three) after five matches.
Bahia are struggling on the road this season. Their home form has them looking strong in the standings, but, away from home, Bahia are not picking up many points.
Just four points were taken from Bahia’s opening five away matches. They failed to win any of their last three away games in Serie A.
Paiva could be without midfielder Yago Felipe due to a muscle injury. Left-back Matheus Bahia is a doubt following a hamstring strain. Centre-backs Marcos Victor and Raul Gustavo are both nursing knee injuries and could miss the fixture.
Diniz also has several players on the injury list going into Saturday’s match. Forward Keno could miss the game, with a thigh injury, and midfielder Caio Vinicius is a doubt, too.
Defensive midfielder Aleksander may miss the match following a knee injury. Meanwhile, left-back Jorge is out with an ACL injury.
Fluminense are playing well at home, and their home form should lead to a 2-0 win over Bahia in round No 12. Big Flu could move into the top four with the win.