A look at the odds in Bentiu City, El Meriek high octane match
By Liam Josh
Seeking to strengthen their grip on the top four of the Premier League, El Meriek Bentiu welcomed their local rivals Bentiu city at the Juba national stadium this afternoon.
The mars were looking to bounce back to winning ways from their previous two fixtures that ended in a 1-1 draw and a 2-1 loss to Jamus, results that led to the sacking of the interim coach Richard Justin, Football Director Maliah Kuol Gai and registrar Mahoth Maker.
Meanwhile, Bentiu city were aiming to complete their first ever win against the local arch-rivals El Meriek Bentiu. The two sides met in the Bentiu Football Association’ South Sudan Cup, which El Meriek won.
Bentiu City had a lackluster form, with five losses in the process, negative nine goals and 11 points, to rest in the ninth position.
A solo goal from Aluk Akech salvaged a point for El Meriek Bentiu in their recent game against Young Star Football Club, which ended in a draw (1-1).
El Meriek currently sits fifth on the table and is still harbouring realistic aspirations of African premier competition for next season. They will have to win the rest of the games. They are nine points behind Jamus with a game less.
On the other hand, Bentiu City will have to improve their league form if they want to build momentum going forward and if they are to end their inaugural league in a convincing position, with 15 games remaining till the end of the season.
There is reason for El Meriek to be confident to bounce back to winning ways and success in their fixture, even though they won two of their last five matches at the Juba National Stadium, including a frustrating 1-1 draw to Young Star FC and a 2-1 loss to arch-rivals Jamus SC. They will aim for a league success, as their opponents are in good run of form, having won one and drew one against less opponents.
Aside from their previous loss and draw to Jamus and Young star at the beginning of this month, El Meriek has been in a fantastic form over the last 8 matches before losing to Jamus scoring close to 14 goals in three league games.
Bentiu city has a challenge in the defense, as they have conceded many goals this season. This form gives confidence to the El Meriek attack that boasts of Ahmmed Musa, Tethloc Thor, Tot Maet, and Majak David.
