Bahrain take on Iraq at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in a Gulf Cup Group Stage clash on Wednesday, 25 December. Read our latest football predictions for the fixture below.
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Bahrain vs Iraq prediction: Margins could be slim
Key Stats
- Iraq won 1-0 in four of their last seven assignments in all competitions.
- Six of Iraq’s last seven games have produced under 2.5 goals.
- Iraq have lost only one of their last 11 matches.
- Bahrain have won only one of their last ten meetings with Iraq.
Correct score prediction: Bahrain 0-1 Iraq
Iraq have produced a 1-0 win in four of their last seven matches and they could lean on their defensive strength to eke out another victory over Bahrain on Wednesday.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Iraq are favourites
- HOME: TBC
- DRAW: TBC
- AWAY: TBC
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Bahrain upset the odds to beat Saudi Arabia 3-2 on matchday one in the Gulf Cup Group Stage, though they could find the going tougher against a solid Iraq side on Wednesday.
In typical fashion, Iraq forced a 1-0 win over Yemen last time out and they could be worth backing to triumph in similar style against Bahrain. View more of free football tips on our dedicated page.
Most recent H2Hs: History favours Iraq
Iraq have only lost one of their last ten meetings with Bahrain. Nine of the last ten meetings between the clubs have featured under 2.5 goals.
FIFA Arab Cup 03/12/21
Bahrain
Iraq
Gulf Cup 05/12/19
Iraq
Bahrain
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 19/11/19
Iraq
Bahrain
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 05/09/19
Bahrain
Iraq
West Asian Championship 14/08/19
Iraq
Bahrain
Bahrain preview: Same XI likely
Bahrain used a 4-4-2 formation in their 3-2 win at Saudi Arabia in their first Gulf Cup group match and they are unlikely to change tack against Iraq. Mahdi Abduljabbar, Mohamed Marhoon and Mahdi Al-Humaidan scored Bahrain's goals against Saudi Arabia.
Predicted lineup: Lutfallah (GK), Al Shamsan, Benaddi, Al Hayam, Al Khalasi, Madan, Al Aswad, Dhiya, Al Humaidan, Marhoon, Abduljabbar
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 25/03/25
L
Indonesia
1
Bahrain
0
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 20/03/25
L
Japan
2
Bahrain
0
Gulf Cup 04/01/25
W
Oman
1
Bahrain
2
Gulf Cup 31/12/24
W
Kuwait
0
Bahrain
1
Gulf Cup 28/12/24
L
Yemen
2
Bahrain
1
Iraq preview: Iraqis could be unchanged
Iraq looked solid at the back in their win over Yemen with Munaf Younus and Zaid Tahseen paired together at centre-half. The Iraqis played in a 4-4-2 shape on matchday one and they are likely to be deployed in a similar formation by Spanish coach Jesus Casus on Wednesday.
Predicted lineup: Al Hassan (GK), Sadoun, Younus, Tahseen, Jeahze, Amyn, Bayesh, Attwan, Jasim, Yasin, Hussein
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 25/03/25
L
Palestine
2
Iraq
1
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 20/03/25
D
Kuwait
2
Iraq
2
Gulf Cup 28/12/24
L
Saudi Arabia
3
Iraq
1
Gulf Cup 25/12/24
L
Bahrain
2
Iraq
0
Gulf Cup 22/12/24
W
Yemen
0
Iraq
1
Player to watch – Aymen Hussein
Aymen Hussein scored the game’s crucial and only goal in Iraq’s 1-0 win over Yemen last time out and that was the striker’s landmark 30th goal for his country.
Hussein could be a match winner
Forward Hussein has scored four times in his last seven matches for Iraq and the 28-year-old has the tools to get behind the Bahrain defence on Wednesday. Hussein is among the best match-winning candidates for Iraq again this week.