Bahia vs Santos – News and Probable Lineups

The Arena Fonte Nova will be the venue for the matchup between Bahia and Santos this Saturday in round 13 of the Brasileiro.

Bahia, currently sitting in fifth place with 20 points, aims to recover from a challenging week that saw them lose to both Flamengo and Remo. Meanwhile, Santos arrives in Salvador in 15th position with 13 points and is under increasing pressure to avoid dropping closer to the relegation zone.

Match overview

Heading into matchday 13, Bahia has established itself as one of the more consistent teams in the upper half of the standings. They have achieved six wins, two draws, and three losses across their 11 Brasileiro matches, netting 15 goals while conceding 12—keeping Rogerio Ceni’s squad firmly in the top-six race.

Despite those statistics, recent performances have raised some eyebrows. The inconsistency seen in the previous rounds has diminished some of the buffer built earlier in the season, though Bahia remains competitive in the top tier.

Last week’s fixtures were particularly tough for Tricolor, with losses to Flamengo in league play and to Remo in the Copa do Brasil increasing pressure on the squad. The previously positive atmosphere at Arena Fonte Nova now mirrors the growing frustration among fans.

An early exit from the Copa Libertadores against O’Higgins had already left its impact. Subsequent setbacks have only amplified the urgency for a quick turnaround, with Rogerio Ceni’s return to the sidelines after suspension seen as vital.

Ceni aims to recapture the form displayed in victories against Athletico Paranaense and Mirassol—games in which Bahia showcased their organization, intensity, and attacking prowess. Regaining that standard is essential for staying among the league’s elite teams.

Santos, in contrast, has had a notably uneven start. With three victories, four draws, and five defeats from 12 fixtures, the club finds itself precariously close to the relegation zone, with inconsistency a defining trait of their campaign.

The arrival of Alexi Stival following Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s exit has yet to produce the anticipated improvements. Santos has alternated between short recoveries and further declines, with collective inconsistency persisting as a major issue.

A packed schedule is also taking its toll. With commitments in the Brasileirao, Copa Sudamericana, and Copa do Brasil, Santos is feeling the strain. For this particular match, the squad will have had less than 48 hours to recover after their draw against Coritiba—a factor that could influence performance.

Team News

Bahia heads into this match with a nearly full squad. Goalkeeper Ronaldo (elbow) and forward Ruan Pablo (ankle ligament) are confirmed absentees, while Kanu is still undergoing rehabilitation after a lengthy layoff.

Leo Vieira is anticipated to start in goal, with an unchanged defensive line comprising Acevedo, David Duarte, Ramos Mingo, and Luciano Juba. In midfield, Caio Alexandre, Jean Lucas, and Everton Ribeiro are expected to form the trio that will provide shape and movement.

Upfront, Kike Olivera and Erick Pulga are likely to occupy the wide positions, while Willian Jose is set to take on the central striker role. Everaldo and Ademir present options off the bench to alter the attacking strategy.

On the Santos side, the medical staff is stretched thin. Neymar will be rested at Cuca’s discretion, with the manager looking to have his star player in optimal condition for their continental matchup against San Lorenzo on Tuesday. Gabigol and Igor Vinicius are both suspended after receiving their third yellow cards against Fluminense.

Gustavo Henrique, a key player in recent matches, left the Copa do Brasil fixture with a suspected thigh injury and awaits test results. Additionally, Gabriel Brazao has been released by the club for personal reasons and will not travel.

Vinicius Lira continues to recover from a knee ligament injury, while Gabriel Menino is sidelined due to a thigh issue.

Cuca is anticipated to rely on Diogenes in goal. Despite not playing since February, Mayke is likely to be recalled at right-back. In midfield, Christian Oliva—who stepped in for Gustavo Henrique against Coritiba—is expected to start.

Rollheiser is the prime candidate to assume Neymar’s playmaking role. Up front, Lautaro Diaz and Thaciano vie for the striking position—a decision likely to be based on the manager’s tactical preferences for this encounter.

Bahia probable starting XI:

Scallop; Acevedo, Duarte, Mingo, Juba; Alexandre, Lucas, Ribeiro; Olivera, Pulga, Jose

Santos probable starting XI:

Diogenes; Mayke, Verissimo, Perez, Escobar; Arao, Oliva, Bontempo; Barreal, Rollheiser, Diaz

The Arena Fonte Nova is typically a challenging venue for visiting teams, and Santos arrives in Salvador facing their toughest circumstances of the season. With key players like Neymar, Gabigol, and Gabriel Brazao all unavailable, Cuca is compelled to field a restructured side that lacks its usual cohesion.

Despite suffering consecutive defeats, Bahia remains intact with their preferred core and welcomes Rogerio Ceni back to the touchline. The encouragement from home supporters should invigorate the squad, and recent history further underscores their favorites’ status. Given Santos’ extensive list of absentees, all indicators suggest the hosts will take charge and secure the victory.