Philippines' Phil Younghusband and Martin Steuble. (Photo : Reuters)
Bahrain (1-3-0, 3 points) is scheduled to host the Philippines (2-1-1, 7 points) at the Bahrain National Stadium in East Riffa, Bahrain on Tuesday, October 13 as the AFC 2018 World Cup qualifying tournament Group H competition continues.
Al-Ahmar was routed by Group H second-running team Uzbekistan, 4-0, in Riffa on Thursday as the White Wolves scored all of their goals in the second half of their match, via the FIFA official website.
Sergio Batista's boys were able to hold off the Uzbeks in a goalless first half before the torrent of goals started at the 52nd minute courtesy of Igor Sergeev's right-footed volley inside Bahrain's penalty box.
Meanwhile, the Philippines ended North Korea's unbeaten run as they forced Chollima to a goalless draw in their October 8 encounter at the latter's Kim Il-sung Stadium in Pyongyang, as per Yahoo Sports.
Coach Thomas Dooley's squad survived the relentless attacks of Korea DPR as their defense held on up to full time right on foreign soil.
Kim Chang-bok's squad remained the leaders of Group H even after the tie with 10 points with Uzbekistan following closely behind with 9 points.
The Azkals outpointed Bahrain, 2-1, in their first matchup last June 11 and they hope to duplicate or even better their feat in this second round of competitions.
The prediction is a 3-1 win for the Philippines.
Bahrain starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Jaffer; Al-Haza'a, Husain, Ali Baba, Al Hooti; Saeed, Ahmed; Al-Malood, Aaish, Omar; Okwunwanne
Philippines starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Etheridge; Aguinaldo, Sato, Ramsay, Woodland; Ott, Reichelt; Lucena, Steuble, Schröck; Younghusband
