Author: Shreyas Sharma
Bahia go into the next round of the Brazilian Serie A after showing inconsistency and poor form in their previous game, resulting in a 2-2 draw against newly promoted side Cruzeiro on matchday 10. They find themselves in the bottom half of the table, without a win in their last eight matches in 90 minutes in all competitions. The team face reigning champions Palmeiras, who have been unbeaten for ten matches and come into this game on the back of back-to-back wins.
Meanwhile, Cruzeiro, who were promoted last season, come into this game on the back of a 2-2 draw with Bahia in their last match. However, the team has struggled to find consistent form, with just one win in their last seven games in all competitions. Their next opponents, Fortaleza, were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Botafogo, adding to their own challenges.
On the other hand, São Paulo, led by Rogério Ceni, were beaten 2-0 at home by Palmeiras in their most recent game, marking their second consecutive defeat. Despite their impressive run in the 2023 Brazilian Serie A, they now face Athletico Paranaense, who drew 2-2 with América Mineiro in their last match.
Santos, on the other hand, come into this game on the back of a goalless draw against Coritiba, extending their winless streak to eight games in all competitions. The team will face Corinthians, who have had a difficult season with just two wins in their first ten games.
In another game, Gremio, promoted last season, suffered a 3-0 defeat against Flamengo in their previous match. However, the team performed well overall and is in contention for a top six finish. The team will face América Mineiro, who have only won two of their first ten games, which puts them at the bottom of the table.
Meanwhile, Fluminense, who faced significant problems off the pitch due to a match-fixing scandal, remained strong throughout the 2023 Brasileirão Serie A campaign. The team recently drew 2-2 with Goiás, with the aim of keeping in touch with the top four. Their next opponents, Atlético Mineiro, have had a poor start to the season under Eduardo Coudet, but are currently above Fluminense on goal difference.
Vasco da Gama started the 2023 Brasileirão Serie A with an impressive away win against Atlético Mineiro, but have struggled ever since, failing to secure a win in nine matches. The team are in the bottom four and in the relegation zone, and will face Goiás, who also have just two wins and are near the bottom of the table.
Cuiabá, meanwhile, go into the game having drawn 1-1 with Corinthians, extending their unbeaten run to four games and moving away from relegation. However, they face league leaders Botafogo, who have taken 24 points from ten games and conceded just seven goals.
Meanwhile, RB Bragantino drew 1-1 with Atlético Mineiro in their last match, with just one defeat in their last ten games in all competitions. They now face Flamengo, who have impressed under Jorge Sampaoli with two consecutive wins in Serie A.
Finally, Coritiba’s disappointing start to the 2023 Serie A campaign continued with a goalless draw against Santos. The team are currently bottom of the table, with no wins in their first ten games. The team will face Internacional, who recently beat Vasco da Gama 2-1 and have only suffered one defeat in their last six games.
Key players:
Francisco Soares is one of the main reasons why Botafogo are currently top of the Serie A standings, with the striker leading the scoring charts with eight goals and contributing three assists. The team has depended on him throughout the campaign, and Soares has repaid the faith with a consistent performance when the team needs him most.
João Paulo Silva Martins has been the most reliable man for Santos in the current campaign, leading the Golden Glove table with five clean sheets in 10 games. Having conceded just eight goals this season, he will be a decisive force for Santos if they are to win all three points against Corinthians.
Forecasts
São Paulo play for a draw against Athletico Paranaense
Both teams are equal and are close to each other in the standings. Considering the circumstances, a draw seems the most likely outcome for this match.
Palmeiras will beat Bahia away from home and extend their winless streak in the league to 11 games
Under coach Abel Ferreira, Palmeiras come into this game on the back of two consecutive wins, positioning themselves as strong contenders and favorites for the next match. A win would not only solidify their form, but could also propel them to the top of the table, provided Botafogo falter in their last game.