AFC Asian Cup 2023: Bahrain vs Malaysia: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Both Bahrain and Malaysia come into this AFC Asian Cup tie on the back of defeats.

The 2023 AFC Asian Cup has wrapped up its first matchday and has a lot of exciting fixtures lined up for the second. One such game will be the Group E clash between Bahrain and Malaysia.

Both sides come into the game on the back of disheartening defeats in their opening game. Bahrain were handed a 3-1 defeat by South Korea while Malaysia faced a 4-0 defeat against table toppers Jordan.

Kick Off

January 20, 2024, 20:00 IST

January 20, 2024, 22:30 GMT+8

January, 20, 2024, 17:30 GMT+3

Form

Bahrain (in all competitions) L-L-L-L-W

Malaysia (in all competitions) L-D-W-W-L

Players to watch

Abdullah Al-Hashash (Bahrain)

The forward was Bahrain’s best player in the opening match against South Korea. He scored Bahrain’s lone goal in the fixture. It was only his second goal for the national team in nine appearances. He’s a lethal striker and a proven goal-scorer at club level. Expect him to add a few more goals to his tally.

Junior Eldstal (Malaysia)

The 32-year-old was one of the few positives from Malaysia’s opener against Jordan. He was their best player and did not let Jordan have it too easy. Eldstal made a few important clearances and also pulled off a few crucial tackles and interceptions. He is known for his ball-winning capabilities.

Match facts

• Malaysia have not managed to defeat Bahrain since 1978
• Bahrain are ranked 86th while Malaysia stand at the 130th position in the latest FIFA rankings
• Bahrain’s Abdulla Yusuf Helal and Malaysia’s Mohamadou Sumareh were on the scoresheet the last time these two teams met

Injury and Team News

Both teams are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection going into this game.

Head-to-head

Total matches played – 12

Bahrain wins – 7

Malaysia wins – 2

Draws – 2

Predicted Line-up

Bahrain (4-1-4-1)

Sayed Mohammed Jaffer (GK) (C); Mohamed Adel, Amine Mohamad Hassan Benaddi, Waleed Al Hayam, Abdulla Al Khalasi;  Mohamed Al-Hardan; Ali Madan, Moses Atede, Jasim Khelaif Wahab Al Salama, Kamil Al Aswad;  Abdulla Yusuf Helal

Malaysia (3-4-3)

Hazmi, Cools, Eldstal, Davies, Hanapi, Fazail, Wilkin, Corbin-Ong, Akhyar, Josue, Abdul Halim

Prediction for Bahrain vs Malaysia

Both teams come into this game on the back of disappointing defeats in their 2023 AFC Asian Cup openers. However Bahrain will have an upper hand coming into this tie, thanks to their better head-to-head record against Malaysia.

Prediction: Bahrain 3-1 Malaysia

Telecast for Bahrain vs Malaysia

India – Sports 18, Jio Cinema

Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Oman – BeinSports, Alkass

United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Belgium, Netherlands – Triller TV

Australia – Network 10

Malaysia – Astro Go, RTM

For worldwide broadcast information of AFC Asian Cup, click here.

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