Arema FC vs PSBS Biak Numfor Prediction: I Expect a “What You Can do, We Can Do Too” Affair

Today, I will analyze the 16th matchday game between Arema Indonesia and PSBS Biak Numfor, two deep-lying teams desperately seeking a break from the table’s midsection. The player’s form, the team’s recent dynamics, failures and probable goal line will also be closely scrutinized.

Recent Form: W-W-L-D-L

Arema Indonesia has been fortunate to grab some points in the last and one stalemate. Last week, we saw the team suffer an away 1-0 loss to Persik Kediri in a game that was envisaged to finish as a tie before the hosts' late 86th–minute lead.

Arema’s major problem in that game was the complacency displayed by the attacking duo, Marvilio and D'alberto. Goalie Frigeri was pretty decent and made many impressive saves, but his team failed to compensate for this appropriately.

I think Joel Cornell needs to search within and probably retain Muhammed Rafli instead of Marcilio if he wants more attacking play, as his team has made it clear that they eventually crack under consistently applied pressure.

Recent Form: W-L-W-L-D

PSBS Biak Numfor, on the other hand, mirrors the hosts in form, with two wins and seven points. Last week, I observed a 1-1 jam lock against Persis Solo in a game I perceived to be won despite the opposition's initial goal, who played with ten men after conceding a red card.

If the team opens the ball more to the flanks and reinforces J Felipe’s path to Alexsandro, we may witness more goals coming in before full-time.

These teams have not met in a long time.

Despite Arema’s unfailing ability to register goals on their home turf, this game will be shy on goals. Biak Numfor has also recently scored on four of five of their opposition territory.

I also think that Biak Numfor’s 4-4-1 conservativeness is a far cry from their intended goal ambitions, and the formation only focuses on holding the ball rather than shooting it.

Goal Prediction: Arema 1 - 1 PSBS Biak Numfor

• BTTS (Betway 1.80 odds) - I think Arema has a very high scoring propensity, and the visitors have made a point of scoring on their opposition’s turf, except against Borneo FC, who, as we know, has one of the best defences in the league.
• U2.5 (Bet365 1.85 odds) – Not many goals will be scored because I think the physical nature of this game would focus on playing in the midfield and not in the last sixteen yards of either team.
• A Stalemate; (1xbet 3.64 odds)—This is one of those games in which the teams would tell each other, “What you can do, we can do too.” As such, I’m expecting a tit-for-tat affair between the sides full-time.