Bahia have four injured players at the moment. During the World Cup break, the club also completed the signings of three new arrivals, all of whom are now available for selection: defender Marco Moreno, forward Alejo Veliz and goalkeeper Guido Herrera.
Chapecoense, meanwhile, appointed Nacifda as their new head coach during the World Cup pause. They currently have five players sidelined, including first-choice defender Eduardo Doma and forward Carvalheira.
Bahia have no suspended players or fresh fitness doubts. Their injured or unavailable list includes Everton Ribeiro (back), Luciano Juba (left thigh), Rio Vella (right knee) and Iago Borduchi (right thigh).
Chapecoense also have no suspensions or doubtful players. Their injured or unavailable list includes Carvalheira (left knee), Bruno Leonardo (right knee), Joao Paulo (hand), Victor Caetano (left calf) and Eduardo Doma (left thigh).
Bahia beat Botafogo 2-1 at home in their previous league match. Sides coached by Ceni fell behind after six minutes, but the opposition goalkeeper was sent off in first-half stoppage time. With a numerical advantage, Bahia took control after the break, dominated possession, kept up the pressure and eventually came from behind to win, ending a six-match winless run in the league. The club hierarchy has also strengthened the squad, with Argentine striker Alejo Veliz the standout arrival.
Chapecoense lost 1-0 away to Palmeiras in their last league outing. Even against the league leaders on the road, they had a chance to come away with more, especially after Palmeiras finished with 10 men. Chapecoense were awarded a penalty in stoppage time but failed to convert, missing the chance to equalise and slipping to a third straight league defeat. They remain bottom of the table on nine points, prompting the club to change managers and place their hopes for the rest of the season on the new coach.
The two sides are competing from very different positions in the table. Chapecoense are hoping for a survival push under their new boss, while Bahia have developed a more settled structure under Ceni and now look stronger still with reinforcements added for the run-in. With momentum and extra depth on their side, Bahia are strongly fancied to win at home.
In the head-to-head record, Bahia have posted two wins, one draw and one defeat in their last four home league meetings with Chapecoense.