Coritiba vs Bahia Prediction: Coritiba must end the losing streak

Coritiba is at the bottom of the Série A with a five-game losing streak and hosts a direct opponent in the battle to escape relegation. Only victory matters to the home team, as Bahia is the first team out of the Z4, in 16th place with 22 points, eight more than Coritiba. A win for the Coxa would end the negative run and narrow the gap to a spot outside the relegation zone to five points. A draw is insufficient and could even be discouraging for the Paranaenses.

Experienced Algerian striker Slimani could debut for Coritiba and help his teammates in this important game. However, the Coxa needs more than just scoring goals; the Paranaenses also must improve their defense, as the team has conceded 42 goals in 21 games, an average of two goals per game. Coritiba hasn't played since September 27, due to the postponement of the match against São Paulo in Round 22. The team is on a five-day training camp to work harder and unite the squad for the upcoming matches in the Brasileirão. After Bahia, Coritiba will face Vasco da Gama, another direct competitor.

Rogério Ceni is the new coach of the Tricolor Baiano after Renato Paiva's resignation. Ceni was sacked as São Paulo coach at the league opening and is now on a mission to save Bahia from relegation to the Série B. The Baianos were unfortunate last round, drawing 1-1 at home to Vasco da Gama. Santos, who occupies first place in the relegation zone, sits just one point behind Bahia, and the two teams meet in Round 24. So that makes three consecutive rounds against direct rivals Vasco, Coritiba, and Santos, in which the points gained in these games can be crucial for the final accounts.

It's not an easy game to predict, as Coritiba hasn't played for two weeks, and Bahia has a new coach. I'm going for a Double Chance in favor of the home team with Total Goals Over 1.5. The home team urgently needs a win and had the time to prepare for this match.