The top two teams in the Brazilian Serie A will face off on Thursday when Bragantino take on Bahia at the Estadio Nabe Abi Chedide. The hosts are currently third in the table, just one point behind the top, while the visitors are seventh in the league.

Bragantino had a disappointing 2024 Brazilian Serie A campaign, finishing in 16th place, just two points above the relegation zone, barely escaping relegation. They started the season in fine form, winning seven, drawing two and losing two in 11 league games so far. This result has seen them pick up 23 points - already more than half of their tally from last season - and sit third in the table, just one point behind league leaders Flamengo.

Fernando Seabra's side will be looking to keep their early title charge alive, and with three straight wins under their belt, Bragantino will be confident. Bragantino will also be looking at their strong record against Bahia, who have dominated at home in their last nine games with eight wins and one draw.

Bahia will certainly be a challenging opponent as the visitors have made a strong start to the league campaign with five wins, three draws and three losses. This result has seen Bahia sit seventh in the standings with 18 points, meaning they are just behind the top six in the Copa Libertadores on goal difference. However, their form has become rather inconsistent in recent weeks, with Bahia having won four and lost six of their last ten games. This is a considerable drop off from a run of just one loss in their previous 18 games, and they will be hungry for a win to get back to that form.

Bragantino predicts the starting lineup:

Clayton; Hurtado, Eduardo, Capisaba, Mendes; Gabriel, Fabinho; Vinicinho, Sasha, John John; Pita

Bahia predicts the starting lineup:

Felipe; Gilberto, Duarte, Mingo, Juba; Ribeiro, Alexander, Lucas; Admir, Jose, Pulga