Sparks will fly as Oman and Bahrain battle for the Arabian Gulf Cup title on Saturday, 4 January. View our free Oman vs Bahrain predictions below.
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Oman vs Bahrain predictions: A low-scoring affair
Key stats
- Oman are the only undefeated team in the Arabian Gulf Cup.
- Fewer than three goals were scored in 12 of the last 15 encounters between these teams.
- Bahrain failed to score in four of their last five clashes with Oman.
- Oman have no losses in their last 11 meetings with Bahrain.
Correct score prediction: Oman 1-0 Bahrain
It is important to note that the last two times Oman and Bahrain clashed in the knockout stages of the Gulf Cup, Oman won both skirmishes by the same 1-0 scoreline. Interestingly, Oman have encountered Bahrain six times in the Gulf Cup in the last 15 years. They have no losses in those six meetings, keeping five clean sheets in the process.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Oman are expected winners
- HOME: 6/4 (2.50) – 40%
- DRAW: 2/1 (3.00) – 33.3%
- AWAY: 8/5 (2.60) – 38.5%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Oman advanced to the final of the previous edition of this competition, losing to Iraq after extra time. This will be the Reds’ sixth appearance in a Gulf Cup final, they have won two and lost three.
Similarly, Bahrain have previously reached five Gulf Cup finals, winning one and losing four. This will be their second final appearance in the last two decades.
On that note, Oman are the expected winners at 6/4 (2.50). Teams with these odds generally have a 40% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Oman vs Bahrain predictions.
It is also worth mentioning that Oman drew first blood in four of their last five meetings with Bahrain. For this reason, Oman to score first has an appealing look at 17/20 (1.85). That one has a 54.1% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: A one-sided affair
Oman are undefeated in their last 11 meetings with Bahrain. The Reds have not lost to Bahrain in the Arabian Gulf Cup in over 15 years.
Gulf Cup 16/01/23
Bahrain
Oman
FIFA Arab Cup 06/12/21
Oman
Bahrain
Gulf Cup 27/11/19
Oman
Bahrain
International Match 19/11/18
Oman
Bahrain
Gulf Cup 02/01/18
Oman
Bahrain
Oman preview: Looking to avoid back-to-back Gulf Cup final defeats
Rabia Al-Alawi received his marching orders in Oman's semifinal victory over Saudi Arabia. The former Al Seeb forward will not be available for this high-stakes game.
Predicted lineup: Al-Rushaidi (GK), Al-Saadi, Al-Khamisi, T. Rushaidi, A. Busaidi, Al-Braiki, A. Al-Alawi, Yahmadi, Fawas, Al-Mushaifri & Al-Subhi.
Gulf Cup 04/01/25
L
Bahrain
2
Oman
1
Gulf Cup 31/12/24
W
Saudi Arabia
1
Oman
2
Gulf Cup 27/12/24
D
United Arab Emirates
1
Oman
1
Gulf Cup 24/12/24
W
Qatar
1
Oman
2
Gulf Cup 21/12/24
D
Kuwait
1
Oman
1
Bahrain preview: Eyeing their first title since 2019
Similarly for Bahrain, forward Mahdi Abduljabbar will miss this contest for receiving a red card in the semifinal victory over Kuwait on Tuesday evening.
Predicted lineup: Lutfalia (GK), Al-Shamsan, Benadi, Al-Hayam, Al-Khalasi, Saeed, Al-Aswad, Madan, Marhoon, Al-Humaidan & Romaihi.
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
Gulf Cup 25/12/24
W
Iraq
0
Bahrain
2
Gulf Cup 22/12/24
W
Saudi Arabia
2
Bahrain
3
Player to watch: Issam Al-Subhi
Issam Al-Subhi is tied with Saudi Arabia's Abdullah Al-Hamdan in the race for the Golden Boot. However, with Saudi Arabia's elimination from this tournament, Al-Subhi has a golden opportunity to secure the coveted Golden Boot if he scores in the final. It will be interesting to see how the former Al Suwaiq player performs this weekend.