On Tuesday afternoon, Ahal and Altyn Asyr meet in the Yokary Liga, as the pair continue their battle for the top-flight title in Turkmenistan.
Ahal have been perennial bridesmaids when it has come to winning the top-flight title in Turkmenistan, with Altyn Asyr beating them to top spot in the last three seasons.
The runners-up have made a positive start to the new campaign and look in a good position to go one better than last season and claim the title. The home side has won six of their seven league matches this season. The only exception was a 2-1 defeat against the visitors in the reverse fixture.
Ahal have been highly effective at both ends of the field of late, as they have scored at least twice in six of their last eight league matches. The home side has also been solid in defence of late, with seven clean sheets from their last ten outings in the Yokary Liga.
Ahal will be full of confidence heading into this clash, especially as they have won their last nine home matches in the league while conceding just one goal in their previous 11 games on home soil in the Yokary Liga.
The reigning champions head into this match three points adrift of the home side, who have a game in-hand of the visitors.
Altyn Asyr’s league form so far this season has been inconsistent, although they have won three of their last four outings in the top-flight. Last time out they recorded a 4-0 win at MERW. The game saw the visitors score at least two goals for the third time in four league matches.
A record of just one win in their last four away games is not a great one. The fact that they lost on their last visit to Ahal does not bode well for an away victory either.
Forebet predicts that Ahal will record a victory in a low-scoring encounter to stretch their lead at the top of the Yokary Liga.