On Saturday afternoon, FC Balkan host Altyn Asyr at the Balkanabat Stadiony, as the reigning champions of the Turkmenistan Yokary Liga look to get their campaign back on track.
FC Balkan (Nebitci) have made a poor start to the new campaign in the top-flight, as the home side has picked up just three points from their opening six matches, which seen them slip to the bottom of the table.
A 2-0 defeat at Merw last time out means that FC Balkan have suffered four straight league defeats. The fact that they have conceded at least two goals in their last three matches in the Yokary Liga has been a big factor in those underwhelming recent results.
The home side has struggled for positive results on home soil in the Turkmenistan top-flight. They have won just two of their last seven home league games, suffering five defeats in the process. Their most recent home games in the top-flight have been high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in five of their last seven matches.
The reigning champions have made an underwhelming start to their title defence, winning just three of their first six Yokary Liga games of the season. However, they are still unbeaten in the first six league matches, with three wins and three draws so far.
A record of just two wins in their previous seven games in the top-flight dating back to last season is not a great one.
Although their most recent games have not always been high-scoring, both teams have scored in six of the visitors last seven league matches.
Altyn Asyr are unbeaten in three away matches in the top-flight but have won just one of their last four league matches on their travels.
Forebet predicts that the visitors will record a victory in a high-scoring encounter to keep the pressure on league leaders Ahal at the top of the table.