Santos vs Flamengo & Palmeiras vs Bahia: Our Predictions

The Brazilian Serie A returns with two highly anticipated fixtures as the battle at the top of the table intensifies. Santos welcome league leaders Flamengo, while second-placed Palmeiras take on a dangerous Bahia side.

Here are our predictions for the two matches.

Santos vs Flamengo

Prediction: Santos 1-2 Flamengo

Flamengo head into this encounter as the stronger side on paper and remain top of the Brazilian Serie A standings. They have also been particularly impressive away from home, while Santos have been enjoying an excellent run of form.

Santos have won five consecutive league matches and are unbeaten in their last seven. The return of Neymar adds another interesting dimension to the contest, although he is expected to start on the bench. Gabriel Barbosa will also face his former club.

Flamengo, however, have the stronger overall campaign and possess one of the best defensive records in the league. Their attacking options should give Santos plenty to worry about, even with several players unavailable.

Our pick: Flamengo to win; Correct score: 1-2

This could be a closely fought match, but Flamengo’s greater consistency and quality in the decisive areas could ultimately make the difference.

Palmeiras vs Bahia

Prediction: Palmeiras 2-1 Bahia

Palmeiras enter the match sitting second in the table, just three points behind Flamengo. A victory would put further pressure on the league leaders and make this an important fixture in the title race.

Bahia should not be underestimated. They have been one of the division’s better travelling teams and have already demonstrated that they can cause Palmeiras problems. Their attacking record against Palmeiras is also encouraging, having scored in four of their last five meetings.

Palmeiras are nevertheless strong at home and remain the bookmakers’ clear favourite. One current statistical model gives Palmeiras a 61% chance of victory, compared with 22% for a draw and 17% for a Bahia win.

There is some uncertainty surrounding Palmeiras’ squad because of their busy schedule, while Paulinho remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from injury.

Our pick: Palmeiras to win; Correct score: 2-1

Bahia have enough quality to make this competitive, but Palmeiras’ home advantage and stronger position in the title race give them the edge.

Our Two Main Picks

Flamengo – To Win
Palmeiras – To Win

Potential double: Flamengo Win + Palmeiras Win

Predictions are opinions based on form, team news and available statistical indicators. They are not guarantees of the final result.