Bahrain vs. Malaysia AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers Live Score, Preview, Predictions, Schedule 9:45 a.m. EST
Bahrain will look to clinch a spot in the Asian Cup when it takes on Malaysia on Friday.
Bahrain sits atop Group D with seven points in three games while Malaysia has four points in the same number of matches.
Bahrain opened its tournament with a 2-0 win over Yemen last February. In March, the team cruised to a 1-0 win at home over Qatar. Its most recent game was a 1-1 draw at Malaysia.
Malaysia opened its tournament with a 2-0 loss in Qatar. The nation's second game was 2-1 win over Yemen at home.
A win for Bahrain would give it 10 points and automatically clinch a spot in the next round. A draw would bring the team's points total to eight but would maintain the three-point gap between the two nations. More importantly, a draw would enable Qatar to jump into first place if it manages to defeat Yemen on the road.
A win for Malaysia would put it into a tie with Bahrain for the top spot (or second spot depending on Qatar's result) in the group. A draw would keep the team in third place regardless of the other match between Yemen and Qatar.
Prediction: The 1-1 draw was great for Bahrain but wound up being a wasted opportunity for Malaysia. Bahrain should have the advantage at home and will likely win 1-0.
Start Time: Kick-off gets underway at 9:45 a.m. EST.
The match will not be broadcast in the United States or online.