Bahia vs Sport Recife Prediction & Match Preview – 4 December

In this Serie A clash scheduled for Thursday, 4 December, Bahia will host Sport Recife. As part of Brazil’s top-flight football league, this match promises to be an intriguing contest, with both teams eager for crucial points. Bahia, renowned for their resilient home performances, will look to capitalise on their familiarity with the venue, even though the specific stadium details are not provided. Meanwhile, Sport Recife will aim to challenge their hosts and improve their standing in the league.

Both Bahia and Sport Recife have shown glimpses of quality this season, making this encounter a significant fixture in the Serie A calendar. Given the league’s competitive nature, every match is vital, and both sides will be determined to secure a win. The result of this match could have implications for their league positions, adding an extra layer of importance to this fixture.

Bahia vs Sport Recife Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Bahia to Win	1.19

With Bahia playing at home and Sport Recife struggling with form and injuries, our recommended betting tip is to back Bahia to win. The home side’s superior recent form and greater squad depth make them favourites in this encounter.

• Bahia have scored seven goals in their last five games, demonstrating strong attacking form.
• Sport Recife have managed just one win in their last five games and are conceding more than they score.
• Bahia’s home advantage and motivation to break into the top five provide further confidence.

Betting Odds

Bahia are clear favourites in this Serie A clash with Sport Recife, and the betting odds reflect their strong position. At 1.19, backing the home side may not offer the biggest returns, but it underlines their advantage in this match.

Betting Tip	Odds
Bahia to win	1.19
Draw	6.66
Sport Recife to win	12.42

Sport Recife, meanwhile, are considered outsiders with odds of 12.42, indicating a tough challenge for the visitors. The draw is priced at 6.66, which could appeal to those anticipating a more balanced contest.

Bahia Analysis & Recent Performance

Bahia’s recent form has been inconsistent, with one win, two draws, and two defeats in their last five matches. Their sole victory came against Vasco da Gama in a narrow 1-0 result. This inconsistency is reflected in their current 7th place in the Serie A standings with 57 points.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Juventude	Bahia	1 – 1 (Draw)	Serie A	28 Nov 2025
Bahia	Vasco da Gama	1 – 0 (Win)	Serie A	23 Nov 2025
Bahia	Fortaleza	2 – 3 (Loss)	Serie A	20 Nov 2025
Internacional	Bahia	2 – 2 (Draw)	Serie A	8 Nov 2025
Atletico MG	Bahia	3 – 0 (Loss)	Serie A	5 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
Offensively, Bahia have averaged 1.20 goals per game across their last five fixtures, scoring 6 goals and conceding 9. Their defence has been less solid, conceding an average of 1.80 goals per match and keeping just one clean sheet in this period. Both teams have scored in 60% of these games, highlighting Bahia’s tendency to both score and concede.

Bahia’s home form has been notably stronger, with four wins in their last five home matches, boasting an 80% win ratio at the Arena Fonte Nova. However, their overall win ratio in the last ten matches stands at 40%, indicating a need for improvement away from home.

Key player Willian José has been crucial in attack, contributing 11 goals this season. However, Bahia will need to tighten up defensively if they are to climb higher in the league. Their tactical approach should focus on maintaining possession and converting chances more efficiently to improve their current form.

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Bahia Suspensions & Injuries

Bahia’s tactical setup will be significantly affected by the absence of key players due to injuries and suspensions. The loss of Mateo Sanabria, David Duarte, and Michel Araújo for the season is a major blow, particularly in terms of squad depth and defensive solidity. Coach Rogério Ceni will need to look to alternative options in defence and midfield, likely promoting players from the bench or youth team.

Player	Suspension Reason	Matches Left	Projected Return
Jean Lucas	Yellow cards	1	To Be Confirmed

Jean Lucas’ suspension for accumulated yellow cards adds further strain, forcing Ceni to reshuffle his midfield. Without Lucas, Bahia may struggle to maintain their usual balance in midfield, potentially leading to a more conservative approach. This could see Nicolás Acevedo and Ademir Santos taking on more significant roles in dictating play.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Mateo Sanabria	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
David Duarte	Thigh injury	Out for season
Michel Araújo	Knee injury	Out for season

These absences may influence Bahia’s betting odds, as they face a well-prepared Sport Recife side. The lack of key players could result in a more cautious game plan, potentially affecting their attacking threat and defensive stability, making this a challenging fixture for Bahia.

Bahia Key Players

Bahia’s attacking strength will rely heavily on their top scorer, Willian José, who has netted 11 goals this season. His clinical finishing and ability to find space in the box make him a constant threat. As the focal point in attack, José’s partnership with wingers Ademir Santos and Erick Pulga could be crucial in breaking down Sport Recife’s defence.

In midfield, Everton Ribeiro’s experience and creativity will be vital. As a playmaker, Ribeiro’s vision and passing could unlock opportunities for the forwards, while Nicolás Acevedo’s defensive contributions will provide balance. The defensive line, marshalled by Kanu and supported by Gilberto and Luciano Juba, will need to be resolute against counter-attacks.

Expected lineup for Bahia

• Goalkeeper: Ronaldo
• Defenders: Gilberto, Kanu, Santi Ramos Mingo, Luciano Juba
• Midfielders: Everton Ribeiro, Nicolás Acevedo, Caio Alexandre
• Forwards: Ademir Santos, Willian José, Erick Pulga

The tactical impact of these key players is significant, as Bahia will aim to control the midfield and exploit the flanks. With Ribeiro orchestrating play and José finishing chances, Bahia’s strength lies in their ability to transition quickly from defence to attack. This dynamic approach could prove decisive in their upcoming clash.

Bahia Tactics and Formation

Bahia Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Willian José
• Midfield Pivot: Nicolás Acevedo and Ademir Santos
• Defensive Record: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on ball possession and wide play.

Bahia are expected to continue with a 4-2-3-1 formation, offering balance between attack and defence. The key to their midfield stability lies in the partnership of Nicolás Acevedo and Ademir Santos, who contribute both defensively and in transition. In attack, Willian José, their top scorer with 11 goals, will be pivotal in converting chances.

Defensively, Bahia’s backline, featuring Gilberto and Gabriel Xavier, has been solid but not impenetrable, with just one clean sheet in their last five matches. This highlights a potential vulnerability, especially against strong attacking sides.

Offensively, Bahia focus on maintaining possession, utilising the creativity of Everton Ribeiro and Jean Lucas in advanced roles. Their wide play, often involving Luciano Juba, aims to stretch the opposition and create space for Willian José in the final third.

Sport Recife Analysis & Recent Performance

Sport Recife have endured a difficult run of form, suffering five consecutive defeats in their latest Serie A outings. Their most recent loss was a 3-0 defeat to Santos FC, highlighting their defensive frailties.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Santos FC	Sport Recife	3 – 0 (Defeat)	Serie A	29 Nov 2025
Sport Recife	Vitoria	1 – 3 (Defeat)	Serie A	23 Nov 2025
Botafogo RJ	Sport Recife	3 – 2 (Defeat)	Serie A	18 Nov 2025
Sport Recife	Flamengo	1 – 5 (Defeat)	Serie A	15 Nov 2025
Sport Recife	Atletico MG	2 – 4 (Defeat)	Serie A	8 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
Sport Recife’s attacking output has been modest, averaging 1.20 goals per game in their last five matches, but their main issue is in defence, where they have conceded an alarming 3.60 goals per match. With no clean sheets in these games, their defensive weaknesses have been exposed. Their away form mirrors their overall struggles, with no wins in their last five away fixtures.

Sport Recife currently sit bottom of the league with just 17 points. Their season-long defensive troubles are highlighted by a goals conceded average of 1.92 per game, contributing to a current winless streak of 14 matches. With only two wins in 36 matches, they have found victories hard to come by.

The team’s top scorer, Derik Lacerda, has netted six goals this season, but his contributions have not been enough to offset the team’s defensive issues. Sport Recife’s inability to keep clean sheets and their susceptibility to conceding early goals have been detrimental to their Serie A campaign.

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Sport Recife Suspensions & Injuries

Sport Recife face a challenging situation with key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. Diogo Hereda’s groin injury will keep him out until mid-December 2025, weakening the defensive line, especially given his versatility as a full-back. Pedro Augusto’s muscle injury further depletes midfield options, with his return expected in a few weeks. These absences force coach César Lucena to rely on less experienced players to fill these crucial roles.

Player	Reason for Suspension	Matches Left	Expected Return
Derik Lacerda	Club’s decision	7	To be determined

The suspension of Derik Lacerda, due to a club decision, is particularly impactful as he misses seven matches, leaving a significant gap in attack. With no clear replacement for Lacerda’s pace and creativity, Sport Recife may need to adopt a more conservative formation.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Diogo Hereda	Groin injury	Mid December 2025
Pedro Augusto	Muscle injury	A few weeks

These unavailability issues could heavily influence the betting markets, as Sport Recife’s tactical adjustments and reliance on bench players may affect their overall performance against Bahia. With a weakened squad, the team’s depth and ability to maintain intensity throughout the match will be tested.

Sport Recife Key Players

Sport Recife’s tactical approach in the upcoming match against Bahia will depend heavily on the creativity and vision of Lucas Lima, their playmaker. His ability to orchestrate play from midfield is vital, especially with top scorer Derik Lacerda (six goals) currently unavailable. Lima’s precise passing and set-piece ability could unlock Bahia’s defence and create chances for the forwards.

Pablo, leading the forward line, will be crucial in converting opportunities. His pace and movement make him a constant threat, and he must be clinical in front of goal. In defence, Rafael Thyere provides stability and leadership, essential for organising the backline against Bahia’s attacking threats. His aerial strength and timely interventions are key to maintaining a solid defensive structure.

Expected lineup for Sport Recife

• Goalkeeper: Gabriel
• Defence: Matheus Alexandre, Rafael Thyere, Ramon Menezes, Luan Candido
• Midfield: Christian Rivera, Lucas Kal, Lucas Lima
• Forward: Matheusinho, Pablo, Léo Pereira

Sport Recife Tactics and Formation

Sport Recife Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Derik Lacerda
• Midfield Pivot: Lucas Kal and Lucas Lima
• Defensive Weakness: Conceded 18 goals in last five games
• Notable Strategy: Struggles with maintaining possession and defensive organisation.

Sport Recife typically line up in a 4-3-3 formation under coach César Lucena, aiming to balance attack and defence. However, their lack of consistent defensive structure has been evident, conceding 18 goals in their last five matches.

The midfield, anchored by Lucas Kal and Lucas Lima, is tasked with shielding the defence and initiating attacks. However, their inability to consistently control possession has led to vulnerabilities, especially against high-pressing teams.

Offensively, Derik Lacerda is a key figure, being the top scorer with six goals. Despite his efforts, Sport Recife’s attacking strategy often falters due to a lack of support and cohesion, resulting in missed opportunities.

Bahia vs Sport Recife Head-to-Head Record

The head-to-head record between Bahia and Sport Recife is perfectly balanced, with both teams having secured 12 wins each and 4 draws. Their most recent meeting was a goalless draw in Serie A earlier this year, underlining the close competition between the sides.

In Serie A, the head-to-head record remains competitive, with neither team holding a clear advantage. Bahia will be looking to make the most of their home advantage, while Sport Recife aim to break the deadlock and edge ahead in this rivalry.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Sport Recife	Bahia	0 – 0	Serie A	2025-08-02
Bahia	Sport Recife	2 – 1	Copa do Nordeste Group Stage	2024-02-04
Sport Recife	Bahia	6 – 0	Copa do Nordeste Group Stage	2023-02-23
Sport Recife	Bahia	1 – 0	Serie B	2022-09-12
Bahia	Sport Recife	1 – 0	Serie B	2022-06-09