PSM Makassar
- PSM have won just one of their last five competitive games, drawing two and losing two, conceding 11 and scoring 9.
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Recent form:
- Won 1, Drew 2, Lost 2.
- Scored 9, Conceded 11.
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Recent form:
- A leaky defense has cost them dearly and they enter this clash without suspended defender Syahrul Lasinari, who will be missed in a reshuffled back line.
Persik Kediri
- Persik Kediri have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five Liga 1 games, scoring just 4 goals and conceding 4.
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Recent form:
- Won 2, Drew 1, Lost 2.
- Scored 4, Conceded 4.
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Recent form:
- Persik have been up and down of late, but two key wins and a clean sheet in their last three should give them confidence of getting a result in South Sulawesi.
- They will also be close to full strength after the return of veteran full-back Adrián Luna, with Ezra Walian providing creative influence, both of whom should give them a lift.
Head-to-Head
Four of the last five head-to-head meetings between the clubs have ended tied, all closely fought games.
Key Players
- Dusan Lagator is a physical presence in midfield, good at breaking up play.
- Victor Luiz provides some creativity and width from full-back.
- Up front, Alex Tanque has been a consistent goal-scorer all season, which is fortunate given their problems at the back.
- Jose Enrique Rodriguez is Persik's main goal threat, having scored double-digit goals this season.
Betting Insights
- The bookmakers make the hosts 1.98 favorites with Persik available at 3.49 and the draw at 3.22.
- The Both teams to score - Yes market at 1.72 looks too short for this fixture given Persik’s recent attacking struggles.
Prediction
- PSM will need to be at their best to beat Persik, but the recent form of the two sides suggests a tight, low-scoring game could be the most likely outcome.
- Reina’s decision to rotate and bring players back into the squad has steadied the ship a bit for Persik and they should be the fitter and fresher team.
- PSM have conceded too many goals recently and the April wet-season weather should mean the pitch is a little slower than usual, which will suit PSM’s direct transitions and set-piece routines and could hinder Persik’s structured possession.
- Therefore, we are taking the draw and a possible 1-0 win for Persik as the top value bet in this clash of mid-table sides.
