Bahia vs Criciuma Prediction 01.05.2024

• Competition: Copa do Brasil - 3rd round 1st leg
• Date: Wednesday, 1st, May 2024
• Kickoff: 23:00 UK/00.00 CEST
• Venue: Arena Fonte Nova (Salvador)

Bahia and Criciuma will compete for advancement to the last 16 of the Copa do Brasil as they meet in the first leg of their third-round tie at Arena Fonte Nova on Wednesday.

Bahia vs Criciuma Betting Tips : BAHIA TO WIN

Following their impressive displays over the weekend in the Brazilian top-flight, both sides have bolstered their morale and will aim to maintain that intensity in their midweek contest, with the goal of pushing forward in the Copa do Brasil.

Bahia has certainly put the bitter opening day of the Brasileiro Serie A campaign behind them, as their unbeaten streak extended to three matches (W2, D1) when they faced Gremio last time out, securing a solitary 1-0 victory in their own backyard.

Shifting their focus to the Copa do Brasil, the Tricolors are determined to gain an edge in the first leg on Wednesday, banking on their exceptional dominance at the Arena Fonte Nova, where they have triumphed in an astounding 18 out of 19 home contests in 2024.

As they aim to sneak into the best 16 of the tournament for the fourth year in a row, a feat that includes last year's quarterfinal berth, Rogerio Ceni's men will need to overcome a tough obstacle in the form of Criciuma, who stand out as one of the few teams undefeated in the top division.

After being forced to share the spoils in identical 1-1 draws versus Juventude and Atletico-MG in the opening two rounds of the Brasileiro Serie A, the Tigres caused a major upset in matchday three by strolling to an emphatic 4-0 victory over Vasco da Gama.

When it comes to the Copa do Brasil, Claudio Tencati's men are not known for their long stay in the tournament, with their highlight being a round-of-16 appearance in the 2020-21 season. Fortunately, Criciuma ended their back-to-back second-round exits by advancing to the third round of this year's cup edition in mid-March with a victory over Brasiliense DF on penalties.

Nevertheless, Tigres are confronted with bleak prospects of earning a favorable outcome in the first leg against Bahia, as not only have they never celebrated a victory at Arena Fonte Nova, but they have also returned bruised and battered from each of their last three visits to the venue. Considering this, along with Tricolor's outstanding home record, a victory for the home team seems highly probable in this one.