Bahrain vs Australia Prediction & Betting Tips (19 November)

Bahrain must finish in the first two places in its group to qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup . This team has never participated in a World Cup final phase. In recent matches, Bahrain drew Indonesia 2-2 and Saudi Arabia 0-0, after beating Australia 1-0 but suffering a heavy defeat to Japan 5-0 in September. This course, marked by varied results, allows them to remain in the race for qualification, in particular thanks to a recent match against China, which ensures them a competitive place in the group. During the third round of qualifications, Australia had more difficulties compared to their impeccable performances in the previous round against smaller teams.

After a complicated start marked by a 0-0 draw against Indonesia and a0-1 defeat against Bahrain , the Australians showed signs of improvement during the last break. They won their first victory against China 3-1 and obtained an encouraging draw at Japan 1-1, the undisputed leader of their group. However, their recent draw against Saudi Arabia does not help their situation, as the competition is tightening. Despite this, Australia maintains its 2nd place for the moment, synonymous with provisional qualification. 

The local team relies on experienced players, such as Haram (50 caps), Marhoon (14 goals in 57 matches) and Al-Aswad (107 caps). Marhoon notably distinguished himself by scoring two goals in October, securing a draw against Indonesia. He remains the team's only scorer in the 3rd round with four matches played. The majority of internationals play in the national championship. However, for this match, defender Al Khalassy (10 caps) is suspended, while Yusuf (13 goals in 90 caps), the team's star, is injured and absent from his club in the Czech Republic. In addition, striker Hashim Sayed Isa (6 goals in 17 caps), present during the last call-up, is also missing in November. Several experienced players were not selected for this international break.

Notable absences include midfielders Metcalfe (St Pauli) and Luongo (Ipswich), both injured or recovering, as well as young talent Circati, injured with Parma. However, captain Ryan (AS Roma, 95 caps) continues to keep the goals despite the start of Gauci, the young Villa goalkeeper, against Saudi Arabia. In defense, Souttar (Sheffield, 35 caps, 11 goals) and Burgess (Ipswich, 12 caps) started the competition well. In the middle, Irvine (St Pauli) and Hrustic (Salernitana) remain pillars with 75 and 30 caps respectively. Up front, the experienced Duke, Boyle, and Goodwin remain important, although Boyle and Goodwin did not play in the first game of this international break.