Arema Vs Persija Jakarta: The Duel Of The Hungry Lion Menjamu Tiger Liar

JAKARTA - Saturday, November 8 afternoon at the Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, will be the hot duel stage between the two big teams of Liga 1: Arema FC against Persija Jakarta. Kick-off is scheduled at 15.30 WIB, and the tension is predicted to be high from the first minute.

Arema came with a mixed form. In the last five matches, Singo Edan won twice, drew once, and lost twice. They have just beaten Semen Padang 2-1, but previously fell 1-3 from Borneo Samarinda and fell 1-2 from Persib. Consistency is still a big homework for coach Marquinhos Santos.

In the opposite camp, Persija Jakarta is in the 'gaspol' mode. From the last five matches, the Kemayoran Tigers managed to bag three wins, including two convincing away wins: 1-0 over Madura United and 3-1 at Persebaya headquarters. Even so, the last two defeats to Borneo and PSM became an alarm for Mauricio Souza so that his back line did not leak again.

Statistically, both teams are both productive with eight goals from the last five matches. However, Arema has had a striking weakness even though she has not had a clean sheet in the last six matches. On the other hand, Persija appeared more stable in away matches, occupying the second best away position in the standings, with an average of two goals per game outside the home.

Arema will again rely on its foreign duet: Dalberto, the top scorer of the league with nine goals, alongside Gustavo and Valdeci in the front lines. This trio can make Persija's defense, which is escorted by Hansamu Yama and Thales.

However, Dalberto is likely to miss this match. "Dilberto has a problem and most likely can't play. If tomorrow he is really absent, of course there will be changes in Arema FC's game," said Santos.

Meanwhile, Persija relied on Witan Sulaeman's creativity and Allano's speed to support Maxwell and Gustavo's attackers. Their combination proved effective and wild when overthrowing PSBS and Persebaya with a big score.

Persija Jakarta is also certain that it will not be strengthened by three of its players against Arema FC. Two of the three absent players are foreign defenders.

Ryo Matsumura and Gustavo Almeida are in danger of being absent. Ryo Matsumura's injury has healed, but he only has to focus on returning his physical condition. For Gustavo Almeida, the injury that befell the Brazilian player has recurred.

Head-to-head is also tight: from the last 15 meetings, Arema won four times, Persija drew five, and the remaining six. This means that this match could be a moment to balance records or widen the distance of dominance.

With both teams having a goal engine running but a defense that is still easy to leak, this match in Dipta can end up being a goal party. One thing is for sure: who is more disciplined behind will come out of the stadium with three points and big smiles. This match looks like it will be an open drama with a fast rhythm and a battle for the effectiveness of the front line

Score prediction: Arema 2'2 Persija Jakarta.