Al-Khalidiyah vs Al Riffa Prediction: League win battle continues

Al-Khalidiyah will play host to Al Riffa at the Bahrain National Stadium in this round 19 Bahrain Premier League game. Both teams are coming off a draw in their last league games. Will either side secure a win here?

Al-Khalidiyah were held to a goalless draw last time out by Al-Hidd. In the meantime, Al-Khalidiyah remain unbeaten in their last six games. In that run, Al-Khalidiyah drew two games, one other against Al-Muharraq, a game that ended goalless, with the remaining ending in wins. Al-Khalidiyah defeated Busaiteen, Al-Ahli Manama, Manama Club and Al-Najma in those wins. In those matches, Al-Khalidiyah scored ten goals while they conceded two. Heading into this game, Al-Khalidiyah are seated top of the standings, having accumulated 37 points from 18 league games.

Al Riffa are coming off a 1-1 draw against Sitra, and in this encounter, the visiting team will hope for a win. In that game, Al Riffa took the lead in the 41st minute, with Al Jassim Shaikh scoring for them, but an 80-minute strike by Amir Roustaei for Sitra denied this side all three points. Looking at the visiting side's last five games, Al Riffa picked just one win, coming against Al-Hala, as their games against Al-Muharraq and East Riffa ended in draws, while they lost to Al-Shabbab. This season, Al Riffa have accumulated 33 points from 18 league games, positioning them 2nd in the standings and four points adrift of first-placed Al Khalidiyah.

These two teams have much to give in this game as they are frontrunners to win the league. The hosts have a better chance here, looking at their form and turf advantage. Al Riffa have struggled in recent games, but this kind of game will demand that they do better. This will be a close contest regardless, but the hosts are better and should win in a game that should end with few goals.