Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
On Saturday, December 28, Bahrain will face Yemen in the third round of the Gulf Cup of Nations at 15:30 CET. Here’s a detailed preview and a betting suggestion focused on the individual total of one team.
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Bahrain vs Yemen: Match facts and head-to-head stats
- Bahrain is unbeaten in their last three matches, recording two wins and a draw.
- Yemen has failed to win in their last four matches, losing the last three in a row.
- Yemen has conceded at least one goal in each of their last four games.
- Bahrain has scored two or more goals in their last three matches.
- Yemen often concedes in both halves, doing so in 40% of their matches, while Bahrain scores in both halves in 36% of their games.
- Bahrain has kept a clean sheet in 36% of their matches.
- The last head-to-head match between Bahrain and Yemen ended in a 0-0 draw. In their last five meetings, Bahrain has won four times.
Bahrain vs Yemen: Match preview
Bahrain has started this Gulf Cup of Nations campaign strongly. They won their first two group matches, scoring two or more goals in each game. With six points, Bahrain has already secured a place in the playoffs. They have a positive goal difference of 5:2, showcasing one of the tournament's best attacks and solid defenses. Historically, Bahrain is one of the favorites in this competition, having won the Gulf Cup in 2019 and reaching the semifinals in the last edition, where they lost to the eventual champions.
Yemen, on the other hand, has no remaining tournament objectives. They lost their first two matches, 0-1 and 2-3, and sit at the bottom of Group B with zero points. With a negative goal difference of 2:4, they are mathematically eliminated. Yemen has never advanced to the playoffs or finished in the top four of the Gulf Cup, and this year will be no exception.
Probable lineups
- Bahrain: Lutfalla, Al-Hayyam, Benaddi, Al-Shamsan, Al-Khalasi, Al-Aswad, Saeed Dia, Abduljabbar, Marhoon, Al-Humaidan, Madan
- Yemen: Aman, Al-Wasmani, Al-Rimi, Al-Zubaidi, Al-Hubaishi, Mohammedo, Anbar, Sabara, Al-Gholan, Al-Matari, Ban Aghag
Prediction
Bahrain has already secured their playoff spot, while Yemen is out of contention. Bahrain is the clear favorite in this match and is likely to finish the group stage with a perfect record. My bet is on Bahrain's individual total to exceed 2 goals, with odds of 1.85.
