Arena Fonte Nova will host a Nordeste derby as Bahia and Fortaleza draw swords in the Brasileiro Serie A on Thursday, 20 November 2025.
View our free Bahia vs Fortaleza predictions below.
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Bahia vs Fortaleza predictions: Goals at both ends
Key stats
- Both teams were on the scoresheet in Fortaleza’s last six matches.
- At least five cards were awarded in eight of Bahia's last 10 games.
- Six of the last seven meetings between these teams produced five or more cards.
Correct score prediction: Bahia 1-1 Fortaleza
Fortaleza have drawn six games in a row, three of which ended 1-1.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookies favour Bahia
- HOME: 13/20 (1.65) – 60.6%
- DRAW: 29/10 (3.90) – 25.6%
- AWAY: 4/1 (5.00) – 20%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Bahia have struggled to find their best form of late, managing only one win in their last four matches. However, they have been one of the best home teams in the Brasileiro Serie A this season, winning 12 of their 16 league games at Arena Fonte Nova.
Fortaleza, on the other hand, have been a bit difficult to beat lately, stringing together six consecutive stalemates. While they have been one of the league's worst travellers, the spoils were shared in their last five away games.
At the time of writing, fifth-placed Bahia have their sights set on automatic qualification for the Copa Libertadores, while 19th-placed Fortaleza are fighting for their survival.
With that in mind, Bahia are the expected winners at 13/20 (1.65). Teams with these odds usually have a 60.6% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Bahia vs Fortaleza predictions.
Also, keeping in mind that Fortaleza's last six games produced goals at both ends, BTTS – Yes has an appealing look at 4/5 (1.80). That one has a 55.6% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: Bahia have bragging rights
Bahia have been the dominant side in recent meetings between these teams, having won three of their last five encounters with Fortaleza (D1, L1). Moreover, Fortaleza suffered five defeats in their last six trips to this stadium.
Brazil Serie A 22/09/24
Fortaleza
EC Bahia
Bahia preview: Injury woes continue
Bahia are nursing a handful of injuries, with Gabriel Xavier, Gilberto, Mateo Sanabria, and Kayky receiving treatment, while Andre Dhominique (ACL) is ruled out for the season.
Uruguayan midfielder Michel Araujo will be suspended for this game after picking up his third yellow card of the season during the draw against Internacional.
Predicted lineup: Ronaldo (GK), Arias, Duarte, Mingo, Juba, Lucas, Erick, Ribeiro, Pulga, Ademir & Jose.
Last five matches
- Internacional 2-2 Bahia
- Atletico MG 3-0 Bahia
- Bahia 2-1 Bragantino
- Sao Paulo 2-0 Bahia
- Bahia 1-0 Internacional
Fortaleza preview: Looking to halt their winless streak
Adam Bareiro and Emanuel Britez are available for this game after serving suspension in their last Serie A game against Atletico MG.
However, the visitors could miss up to six players due to injury, including Joao Ricardo, Emmanuel Martinez, Marcelo, Rodrigo Santos, Weverson, and Marinho.
Predicted lineup: Brenno (GK), Barbosa, Avila, Gazal, Mancuso, Sasha, Pierre, Lopez, Crispim, Herrera & Deyverson.
Last five matches
- Atletico CE 1-1 Fortaleza
- Atletico MG 3-3 Fortaleza
- Fortaleza 2-2 Gremio
- Ceara 1-1 Fortaleza
- Itapipoca 2-2 Fortaleza
Player to watch: Willian Jose
Willian Jose has been in sensational form, scoring six goals and providing an assist in his last seven appearances. The former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Real Sociedad forward is Bahia's top performer in the Brasileiro Serie A, as he leads the team in both goals and assists this season.