Leonardo Jardim’s side arrive on the back of an impressive ten-game unbeaten run this season.

Palmeiras defeated Athletico-PR on Saturday (17th) and provisionally moved top.

Saúl is also absent from the squad after suffering a knock in the match against Estudiantes.

Historical Head-to-Head Record in Salvador and Beyond

The Rio club have registered 44 victories, with 31 draws and 26 wins for Bahia. Flamengo have scored 153 goals in the fixture, while the Bahian side have netted 103 times.

During this period, the Mengão scored 33 goals and conceded 11. Across the league specifically, the clubs have faced each other 53 times, with Flamengo winning 25, 16 draws, and Bahia claiming 12 victories, producing 84 goals for the Rio side against 51 for Bahia.

Match Officials Appointed for Sunday Clash

Referee: Wilton Pereira Sampaio (GO). Assistants: Rafael da Silva Alves (RS) and Fernanda Nandrea Gomes Antunes (MG). Fourth Official: Fabio Augusto Santos Sa Junior (SE). VAR: Pablo Ramon Gonçalves Pinheiro (RN).

Standings Implications and Upcoming Fixtures

With Palmeiras temporarily holding the league lead following their Saturday win against Athletico-PR, Flamengo enter the Arena Fonte Nova pitch needing a full three points to regain first place in the Brasileirão table. The fixture kicks off a demanding stretch for the Rio squad as they balance domestic title aspirations with the upcoming Copa Libertadores semi-final return leg.