Ceará vs. Bahia Prediction, Match Preview, and Betting Tips, 20 September 2025

Get ready for an exciting Serie A clash as Ceará hosts Bahia on 20 September 2025. This fixture at the 24th round of the competition sees Ceará sitting in 11th place with 27 points, while Bahia is positioned 6th with 36 points.

Despite recent inconsistencies in form, Ceará’s solid defense has managed two clean sheets in their last five games. However, their attack needs bolstering, with only 0.60 goals scored per match. They will miss key players like Rodriguinho and Richardson due to suspensions.

In contrast, Bahia, under the guidance of Rogério Ceni, has shown attacking prowess with an average of 2.20 goals per game in their last five outings. Although recent results have been inconsistent, including a 2-1 loss to Cruzeiro, Bahia’s stronger head-to-head record against Ceará makes them the favourites.

This match is not just about points but also boosting morale as both teams look to secure crucial positions in the league. Given their current form, we recommend betting on a Bahia win.

Important match tip: Bahia to win, as they have a better recent head-to-head record and an attacking edge.

Ceará vs Bahia Prediction & Betting Tip

Ceará vs Bahia Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Bahia to win	2.87

• Head-to-Head Advantage: Bahia has had a better recent head-to-head record against Ceará, having secured victories in their last five encounters.
• Attacking Prowess: Bahia boasts a strong offensive form, averaging 2.20 goals per game across their last five matches, highlighting their attacking edge.
• Ceará’s Defensive Gaps: Ceará’s defense has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in the crucial last 15 minutes of the game, which Bahia can exploit to their advantage.

Overall, Bahia’s recent form and head-to-head dominance make them a strong pick for victory.

Ceará vs Bahia Odds

This Serie A clash between Ceará and Bahia presents some intriguing betting opportunities. As per the bookmakers, Ceará is slightly favoured with odds of 2.55 for a win. The odds for a draw are closely set at 2.99, while Bahia’s odds of winning stand at a competitive 2.87.

Ceará vs Bahia Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Ceará	2.55
Draw	2.99
Bahia	2.87

Given the tight odds, this match promises to be a closely contested affair. It’s worth noting that Bahia’s recent head-to-head dominance and their attacking form give them an edge despite marginally higher odds compared to Ceará. For those looking at value bets, Bahia’s odds provide a substantial return considering their current form and head-to-head record.

Ceará Team Analysis

Ceará Recent Performance

Ceará’s recent form has been a rollercoaster with one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches. Their recent results are as follows:

• Vasco da Gama 2 – 2 Ceará
• Ceará 0 – 1 Juventude
• Grêmio 0 – 0 Ceará
• Bahia 1 – 0 Ceará
• Ceará 1 – 0 Red Bull Bragantino

Despite their mixed results, Ceará has shown some defensive solidity, managing two clean sheets in their last five outings. However, they’ve struggled on the attacking front, averaging only 0.60 goals per game over the same period.

Given their current placement in the league and the slight edge bookmakers have given them, it’s clear Ceará needs to find a way to bolster their offense to convert those draws into vital wins. Key players like Pedro Raul will be expected to step up and help lift their attacking statistics.

Ceará Key Players

For Ceará, the standout performer this season has been their top scorer, Pedro Raul, who has netted 7 goals so far. He will be pivotal in breaking through Bahia’s defense. Additionally, players like Bruno Ferreira in goal and Matheus Bahia in defense will be crucial in maintaining solidity at the back, especially given Ceará’s recent clean sheets.

Key individual battles will include Pedro Raul versus Bahia’s center-backs, Gabriel Xavier, and Santi Ramos Mingo. Another interesting duel will be Ceará’s wing-backs, Rafael Ramos and Matheus Bahia, trying to contain Bahia’s wingers, Kayky, and Sanabria.

Expected lineup for Ceará:

• Goalkeeper: Bruno Ferreira
• Defenders: Rafael Ramos, Marcos Victor, Willian Machado, Matheus Bahia
• Midfielders: Fernando Sobral, Dieguinho, Antonio Galeano, Lourenço, Paulo Baya
• Forward: Pedro Raul

These key players will need to be at their best if Ceará hopes to secure points from this tough clash.

Ceará Suspensions & Injuries

Ceará heads into this match with some significant absences due to suspensions and injuries. Midfielder Rodriguinho will miss the match due to a red card, while Richardson and Fabiano will be sidelined serving their one-match suspension for accumulated yellow cards. These suspensions could disrupt the midfield balance, making coordination and ball distribution challenging.

On the injury front, Luiz Otávio remains out following knee surgery, with a hopeful return in late September 2025. His absence from the defense could persist, putting extra pressure on players like Willian Machado and Marcos Victor to fill the void.

These disruptions in the lineup could present tactical challenges for coach Leo Conde, especially against a high-scoring team like Bahia.

Ceará Tactics and Formation

Ceará Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Pedro Raul
• Midfield Trio: Fernando Sobral, Dieguinho, Lourenço
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on defensive solidity, although vulnerable in the last 15 minutes of matches.

Ceará will likely stick to their preferred 4-3-3 formation under coach Leo Conde. The reliance on Pedro Raul to lead the attack is clear, as his goal-scoring prowess will be paramount to breaking Bahia’s defense. The midfield trio of Fernando Sobral, Dieguinho, and Lourenço will need to keep tight control to make up for the absences due to suspensions.

Defensively, while they’ve managed some clean sheets recently, their vulnerability towards the end, particularly in the 76-90 minute interval, could be a weak spot Bahia might exploit. Containing Bahia’s attacking threat will be a crucial part of Ceará’s game plan.

Bahia Team Analysis

Bahia Recent Performance

Bahia’s recent form is a mixed bag with two wins and three losses from their last five fixtures. The recent results are:

• Bahia 1 – 2 Cruzeiro
• Fluminense 2 – 0 Bahia
• Bahia 5 – 0 Confianca
• Confianca 1 – 4 Bahia
• Mirassol 5 – 1 Bahia

Despite the inconsistency, Bahia has displayed an impressive attacking prowess, averaging 2.20 goals per game in their last five matches, indicating their potential to score heavily. However, defensive lapses have been evident, with just one clean sheet in the same span.

This attacking form should boost their confidence ahead of facing Ceará, especially with their track record of winning the head-to-head duels in recent encounters. It’s crucial for Bahia to tighten their defense to capitalize on their scoring potential.

Bahia Key Players

For Bahia, attacking midfielder Luciano Juba has been a standout performer with 5 goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net consistently makes him a key threat to Ceará’s backline. Additionally, forward Willian Jose, along with wingers Kayky and Mateo Sanabria, will be pivotal in maintaining their high-scoring form.

On the defensive front, full-back Santiago Arias and Gabriel Xavier will have significant roles in curbing Ceará’s attacking advances.

Expected lineup for Bahia:

• Goalkeeper: Ronaldo
• Defenders: Santiago Arias, Gabriel Xavier, Santi Ramos Mingo, Luciano Juba
• Midfielders: Nicolás Acevedo, Jean Lucas, Everton Ribeiro
• Forwards: Mateo Sanabria, Willian JosŠ, Kayky

Individual battles to watch will include Luciano Juba against Ceará’s Marcos Victor, and Pedro Raul against Bahia’s central defense.

Bahia Suspensions & Injuries

Bahia is facing this crucial match with several key absences due to injuries and a suspension. Defensively, they will miss Kanu due to a calf injury which sidelines him until late November. Midfielders Erick Carvalho and Caio Alexandre, both dealing with thigh injuries, are projected to return in late September. Similarly, Ademir Santos and Erick Pulga are expected back in about one to two weeks, while Tiago Souza and João Paulo are out until early October.

Additionally, the suspension of David Duarte for accumulated yellow cards further weakens their defensive depth. These absences could impact Bahia’s ability to stay resilient, especially against Ceará’s key attackers like Pedro Raul.

These injury woes will challenge coach Rogério Ceni to reconfigure his side, ensuring they maintain their attacking potency and defensive stability.

Bahia Tactics and Formation

Bahia Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Willian Jose
• Midfield Trio: Nicolás Acevedo, Jean Lucas, Everton Ribeiro
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on high pressing and attacking play, averaging 2.20 goals per game recently.

Bahia will stick to their 4-3-3 formation, which accentuates their attacking intent, as seen in their goal-scoring records in recent matches. Key to their approach will be forward Willian Jose, who is integral to their offensive plays. The midfield, comprising Acevedo, Lucas, and Ribeiro, will pivot around ball distribution and maintaining possession.

Defensively, although they’ve had mixed results, players like Santiago Arias and Gabriel Xavier are crucial in stemming opposition attacks. The absence of key defensive players due to injuries and suspension will require tactical adjustments from coach Rogério Ceni, ensuring they can sustain their aggressive playing style while tightening their defense.

Ceará vs Bahia Head-to-Head Statistics

The head-to-head statistics between Ceará and Bahia heavily favour Bahia, who have been in control for the past few encounters. Here’s a quick rundown of their last five meetings:

• 2025-08-21 (Copa do Nordeste Final Stage): Bahia 1 – 0 Ceará
• 2025-04-21 (Serie A): Bahia 1 – 0 Ceará
• 2025-03-26 (Copa do Nordeste Grp. B): Bahia 3 – 2 Ceará
• 2024-03-07 (Copa do Nordeste Group Stage): Ceará 1 – 2 Bahia
• 2021-05-08 (Copa do Nordeste Final Stage): Ceará 1 – 2 (Penalty shoot-out: 2 – 4) Bahia

Bahia’s recent performances in these matchups demonstrate their dominance, with consistent wins attributed to a combination of solid defense and productive attack. Given their winning streak against Ceará, Bahia will aim to extend their advantage and consolidate their higher league standing.

This historical edge provides a psychological boost for Bahia and poses a challenge for Ceará to break the trend.

Odds accurate as of 18.09.2025 22:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.