Let's delve into our main course - Bahia vs Atlético Mineiro. All hands on deck for this contentious culinary showdown.
Baking in the goal, we have the sturdy custodians of the posts for both teams - Bahia's Marcos Felipe and Atlético's Everson, both locking horns with a 7.70 goalkeeper rating this season. They better make sure their oven gloves are ready because their day will be filled with a lot of hot shots.
Now slicing through the defenses, we have some of the saltiest players on the field. For Bahia, Luciano Juba, with a spicy 8.30 rating and 1 goal under his belt, has been bringing the heat this season. He's accompanied by the crafty Willian José and diligent Caio Alexandre, who have been adding some flavorful pass completion percentages to the mix.
On the other side, Atlético Mineiro brings their own recipe to the table. Gustavo Scarpa and Rony are working on their 7.50 rating. Although they are yet to find the back of the net this season, their high accurate pass percentage can't be overlooked. And surely, with Rubens in the mix with his very own 7.60 rating, their shooting spree will taste victory soon.
Listen, past matchups flavor this contest, too. Bahia has been sprinkling more goals on the scoreboard during most of their recent head-to-heads, and that can't be discounted, folks.
Let's not forget the regular season record. Atlético Mineiro are currently at 5-5-2, Bahia sizzling at 6-3-3. Recent results? It’s like comparing apples and oranges really. But Bahia's winning streak against formidable opponents like Red Bull Bragantino and São Paulo shines brighter.
Now drum roll, please, because here comes my prediction: Bahia may be the crowd’s favorite but remember, surprises are the spice of life.
Albert’s Prediction: Atlético Mineiro by 1