The Brasileirão is celebrating because the usual favorites have been joined by a revelation like Bahia, who currently shares the top spot with Flamengo, but to stay there, it must beat a mystery team like Criciúma.
The Tiger is coming off a 3-1 loss to Athletico-PR, a notably superior opponent. The goal was by Gustavo Barreto and represented the 0-1. However, reality left them without the possibility of at least getting a unit in Paraná.
The Bahiaço had a difficult match against Fortaleza but could pull through a 1-0 with a second-half conversion by Jean Lucas.
When and Where?
Sunday, June 16, 5:30 pm ET at the Estádio Heriberto Hülse
Moneyline odds:
Criciúma 2.90
Bahia 2.50
Draw Offs:
3.20
Where can I watch it?
Paramount+
Why Bet on Criciúma?
When Criciúma’s arrival in the Brasileirão was confirmed, there were more doubts than certainties about what this could mean for the competitiveness of the league. This club has just lost 3-1 against Athletico-PR. They started winning with a goal by Gustavo Barreto after 9 minutes, but a brace by Gonzalo Mastriani and a goal by Tomás Cuello sealed the game. This club will likely be struggling all year to avoid losing the category.
It is currently in 17th place, for now dropping to Serie B. In six games, they have five points, the product of one win, two draws, and three defeats, which have come in a row. The Tiger has also lost to Palmeiras and Cuiabá, a direct rival in the fight for permanence in the Brasileirão.
Interestingly, from 10th place down, they have scored the most goals, with ten, but have allowed 12. Matheusinho’s three goals are their best tally. In addition, this institution has a player with Premier League experience, the Congolese Yannick Bolasie, but so far, he has only been able to score once.
Peruvian fullback Miguel Trauco could be available after serving his suspension.
Why Bet on Bahia?
The big surprise of the Brazilian league is Bahia, a team used to being in the middle of the table and even fighting for relegation, which makes it strange to have them sharing the top spot with Flamengo after eight games. A second-half goal by Jean Lucas gave the club a 1-0 win over Fortaleza, a very tough team to beat in the Brasileirão.
The Bahiaço has collected 17 points, the product of five wins, two draws, and just one defeat, which came against Internacional two months ago. The player with the most goals is Everaldo, with three. They are currently on a 10-game unbeaten streak, althoughthey were eliminated from the Copa do Nordeste by CRB on penalty kicks.
However, this club does have one drawback, and that is that it is not very strong when playing away from home, as evidenced by the fact that it has won only once in four matches. However, they are undefeated in that condition for three dates, with two draws. One thing that does favor Bahia is that they have already faced Criciúma this year and eliminated them from the Copa do Brasil with a 3-0 aggregate win.
Uruguayan midfielder Nicolás Acevedo is the only injured player for coach Rogério Ceni.
Final Betting Analysis: Criciúma vs. Bahia
This year, these teams have already met twice in the Copa do Brasil and on both occasions, Bahia won. At home by 1-0 and away by 0-2. Considering the cup and second division, the Tricolor de Aço has five undefeated games.
The last time they faced each other in the first division was November 19, 2014, and Bahia won by 0-1 as visitors.
The numbers at Gambyl Exchange have Bahia as the favorite. Their Moneyline shows 2.50, Criciúma has 2.90, and the draw is at 3.20.
Bahia is one of the revelation teams of Brazilian soccer so far in 2024, and their positive streak will not be cut short by an opponent that has not shown higher expectations in its arrival in the first division. We’ll go for a 0-2.
Go for a win for Bahia. If you bet $100 at 2.50, you will gain $150 for a total payout of $250.
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