The battle for World Cup qualification intensifies as Bahrain host Saudi Arabia on Thursday, June 5, in Matchday 9 of the Asian qualifiers. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00 Central European Time, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for both sides—particularly for a Saudi team still chasing automatic qualification.
Bahrain
Bahrain enter this match on the back of a five-game winless run in World Cup qualifying. Recent defeats to Japan (0-2) and Indonesia (0-1) have left their campaign hanging by a thread. With only six points from eight matches and a worrying 5–13 goal difference, their chances of progressing are slim. Bahrain have yet to record a home win in this qualifying stage, with two draws and two losses from four matches.
Still, they can take confidence from past success against Saudi Arabia at home, including three wins from their last five home meetings with the Green Falcons.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia sit third in the group, three points behind second-place Australia. A win here is crucial if they are to avoid the playoff route and challenge for a direct World Cup berth.
Form has been mixed:
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1 win, 3 draws, 1 defeat in their last 5
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The loss came unexpectedly against Indonesia (0-2)
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They managed credible 0-0 draws against top sides Japan and Australia
Saudi Arabia’s away form is also inconsistent: one win, two draws, and one loss across four matches.
Key Stats & Head-to-Head
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Bahrain have won just once in eight qualifiers but are unbeaten in five of their last six matches against Saudi Arabia
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Saudi Arabia have lost just one of their last six matches overall
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Four of the last five head-to-heads have seen under 2.5 goals
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Both sides’ recent matches have also mostly featured low scorelines
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Saudi Arabia have historically struggled against Bahrain, with only one win in the last six meetings
Probable Lineups
Bahrain: Luftalla; Al-Shamsan, Benaddi, Al-Hayyam, Al-Khalasi; Dhia, Al-Aswad, Al-Humaydan; Maroun, Madan, Abduljabbar
Saudi Arabia: Al-Aqeedi; Al-Shanqeeti, Tambakti, Lajami, Bushail; Al-Juwair, Al-Ghamdi, Yahya; Nasser Al-Dawsari, Salem Al-Dawsari; Al-Buraikan
Prediction & Betting Tip
Saudi Arabia know this is a must-win fixture if they’re to stay in the hunt for direct World Cup qualification. Despite recent inconsistency and a poor head-to-head record against Bahrain, the quality gap and motivation could tilt this match in their favor.
Expect a cagey, hard-fought contest, but one where Saudi Arabia push for all three points.
Recommended Bet: Saudi Arabia to win
Odds: 1.98
While recent form and history suggest a close battle, the Green Falcons’ urgency and attacking depth make them the likelier winners.
