Jordan vs Bahrain Prediction: Chivalrous Ones to top group with win

Thursday sees the conclusion of the group stages of the Asian Cup take place, with Group E’s culmination beginning the day’s proceedings.

A positive result for either Jordan or Bahrain will confirm qualification to the knockout stages, while a defeat for Juan Antonio Pizzi’s men by less than two goals should still be enough to send Bahrain through as one of the best third-placed teams in the group.

Jordan are unbeaten so far in this tournament, with a 4-0 thumping of Malaysia in their opener, followed by an impressive 2-2 draw with one of the favourites, South Korea.

Bahrain are third in the group with three points from two games, with this victory coming in the 95th against Malaysia last time out.

Over 2.5 goals @ 6/4

Team News

 Jordan coach Hussein Ammouta made just one change to the starting line-up in their last game, and it is unlikely that further changes will be named for this crucial clash in Group E.

Musa Al-Tamari and Mahmoud Al-Mardi have both scored twice in the group stage, and both are expected to keep their starting places from the draw with South Korea.

Bahrain could still be without defender Amine Benaddi after his injury in their group opener, and he remains the only injury doubt.

The Red Devils will likely keep Sayed Baqer in the centre of defence in Benaddi’s absence, and no further personnel changes are expected, with match-winner Ali Madan likely to keep his place on the right wing.

 Match Odds

 The Chivalrous Ones are favourites to win this contest at 5/4, whereas Bahrain are 11/5 to claim the victory.

A draw can be backed at 15/8, while Yazan Al-Naimat is the most likely anytime goalscorer at 23/10.

Over 2.5 goals is available at 6/4, while both teams to score is priced at 11/10.

Jordan to win and Both Teams to Score @ 9/2

 Just one place separates the two sides in the FIFA World Rankings, with Jordan just one place below 85th-ranked Bahrain.

The Chivalrous Ones have been in fine goalscoring form leading into the tournament, scoring in nine of their last ten games.

Jordan have edged 2-1 victories over Thursday’s opponents in each of the last two meetings, and form would suggest that this winning streak may continue with Ammouta’s men winning two and drawing one of their previous five games.

Over 2.5 goals @ 6/4

 With both previous meetings finishing in 2-1 scorelines, goals can be expected in this encounter, particularly with what is on the line for both sides.

While Jordan have progressed past this stage in three of their last four appearances, the Red Devils have rarely escaped the groups at the finals, although they did finish fourth in the 2004 edition.

Neither side have failed to score in either of their two games this tournament, and both sides should show enough going forward to trouble the opposite defences.

Football Betting tips, from Betfred Insights.