PSM Makassar (home)
- PSM Makassar sit 10th in the Liga 1 table (19pts from 16 games).
- PSM are on a three-match losing streak in the top flight and have conceded four and scored only one in their last three games.
- Tomáš Trucha’s men, who have played some proactive, high-pressing soccer since he took over in late October, have clearly lost their way in recent weeks and the players seem to need a boost.
- PSM’s attacking output has been harmed by a lack of quality and consistency in the wide areas while Alex Tanque is their primary weapon up front and in transition.
- The Brazilian striker, who has scored around five goals in the league so far, will be their best outlet while Trucha’s tactics are based on high-press triggers and wide-overloads from the wing-backs or wingers.
Bali United (away)
- Bali United are 8th with 24pts from the same number of games.
- The Dutch influence of head coach Johnny Jansen has clearly been evident in Bali United’s football, which is structured around a 4-3-3 system that involves an emphasis on possession and control in the midfield as well as some sharp transitions from wide areas.
- Bali United, who are unbeaten in five in the Liga 1, have won their last two matches over Arema and Borneo.
- Jansen’s men have kept three clean sheets in their unbeaten run, which has included some tense games, with Mike Hauptmeijer doing a solid job in goal.
Head-to-Head
Trucha’s pressing tactics will clash with Jansen’s patient, possession-based style, so the battle for midfield control will be like a chess match with set pieces and pressing triggers probably deciding it.
PSM Makassar
- Alex Tanque is their primary weapon up front and in transition.
- PSM’s attacking output has been harmed by a lack of quality and consistency in the wide areas.
Bali United
- Boris Kopitović has been a physical target man up front, a key outlet from the midfield and an almost consistent goalscorer during the run.
- Thijmen Goppel has been his wide link-up man, a creative midfielder who can also stretch defences and create assists.
Betting Insights
- Odds: PSM are favored at 1.93, Bali United at 3.52 and the draw at 3.34.
- With the head-to-head tight and recent meetings low-scoring, Under 2.5 goals at 1.94 looks like the smart move.
Prediction
- A close game is our prediction for this match with the clash of pressing versus possession likely keeping things tight.
- Bali’s solidity and PSM’s home advantage make a draw or a one-goal win for the visitors a strong possibility.