Bahia vs Chapecoense prediction 17.07.2026 | Brazilian Serie A

Bahia return to Arena Fonte Nova looking to bounce back from a friendly defeat at Serie A rivals Fluminense last weekend. Late goals from Hulk and German Cano secured a warm-up victory for the home side.

Out of competitive action for a month because of the World Cup break, Rogério Ceni’s side picked up a confidence-boosting 4:1 win against Torque in their first warm-up fixture of the winter break.

A solid first-half of the campaign has seen the hosts collect 26 points from their opening 16 league fixtures, leaving them sixth in the division, but 15 behind league leaders Palmeiras.

Still, with just one win in eight league games before the recent brek, Bahia will need to find more consistency if they are to challenge for continental qualification positions. 

Up-and-down in home matches, Bahia failed to win four of their last five home fixtures. All five games finished with both teams on the scoresheet. That outcome has occurred in each of the hosts last eight competitive fixtures. 

Head coach Rogerio Ceni has several injury issues this week. Cristian Olivera is ruled out with a sprained ankle, while Iago Borduchi and Luciano Juba are both sidelined with thigh injuries. Leo Vieira is unavailable with a knee problem, and Ruan Pablo is also out with a sprained ankle.

Chapecoense arrive in Salvador in desperate need of an uptick in form after a poor first half of the season.

The out-of.form away side did pick up a confidence-boosting 2:1 friendly win against Gremio last weekend, as they look to improve on a dire start to the campaign. 

The visitors sit 20th in the Brasileirão standings, with just nine points collected from their first 17 fixtures.

Away form has been a major issue for Chapecoense. The visitors have picked up just two points on their travels, remaining winless from eight road matches. 

Still, they have managed to get on the scoresheet in three of their last four away fixtures. All three games finished with BTTS. 

Head coach Rafael Lacerda H has a long injury list to deal with this week. Cristian Olivera, Iago Borduchi, Leo Vieira, Ruan Pablo, Bruno Leonardo, Eduardo Doma, Joao Paulo, Rafael Carvalheira, Robert Santos and Victor Caetano are all ruled out.