Saudi Arabia vs Bahrain Prediction and Betting Tips | 22nd December 2024

Neighbors Saudi Arabia and Bahrain lock horns at the Jaber International Stadium in Kuwait on Sunday at the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup for their opening game of the competition. Ranked 59th in the world, the Green Falcons are looking to end a 21-year wait for a fourth title in the cup. But their form lately hasn't been promising enough.

Of their last five games, they've won just one: a 3-1 friendly win over Trinidad and Tobago earlier this week as Hervé Renard's side warmed up for the tournament.

He's called up 26 players for the cup, including key forward Saleh Al-Shehri. The Al-Ittihad star has netted 15 goals from 38 games, while Salem Al-Dawsari brings experience in the midfield.

On the other hand, Bahrain are struggling right now too, and come into the fixture on the back of a lengthy winless run. The Pearl Divers haven't won their last five, and won just one from their last eight.

Sitting 22 places below their giant neighbors in the world rankings, Dragan Talajić's side may not be among the favorites right now. But with Iraq and Yemen in the group, they will feel confident of their chances of reaching the knockout stages.

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Saudi Arabia vs Bahrain Head-To-Head and Key Numbers

• There have been 38 clashes between the sides in the past, with Saudi Arabia winning 19 times and losing on just seven occasions.
• The Green Falcons have failed to score in their last two official clashes against Bahrain and in three of their last four.
• There have been 12 clashes in this fixture, including four in their last 10.
• The Pearl Divers are winless in their last five official games, losing twice and drawing thrice.
• Saudi Arabia have failed to score in four of their last five games.
• Saudi Arabia are ranked 59th in the world while their Gulf neighbors are 22 places adrift of them.

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Saudi Arabia vs Bahrain Prediction

Neither team have been on a great run of form lately, but Saudi Arabia will be confident of their chances here given their encouraging record in the fixture. The Green Falcons will face some resistance, but we expect them to edge out their rivals by a narrow margin.

Prediction: Saudi Arabia 2-1 Bahrain

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Saudi Arabia vs Bahrain Betting Tips

Tip 1 - Result: Saudi Arabia to win

Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Over 2.5 goals

Tip 3 - Both teams to score: Yes