CR Belouizdad vs USM Alger Prediction: The hosts will likely secure a win here, but it won’t be easy

In this highly anticipated Derby, CR Belouizdad will be out to avenge their painful defeat in the reverse leg against a well-motivated USM Alger at the Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 Stadium on Friday. The hosts, who are nine points behind the league leaders, have the opportunity to reduce the deficit if they secure all the points against USM Alger, while the visitors will be looking at making a return to the continental tournament if they eventually stun their opponent. It’s a fight to finish at the 5 Jolliet Stadium tomorrow, and both sides can’t wait to kick off this encounter. 

Last five games: DWWLW

Marcos Paqueta's comrades returned to winning ways as they scored in both halves to defeat US Souf. Cameroonian striker Leonel Wamba scored twice to hand his side the maximum points. Before then, they had a setback in their attempt to challenge MC Alger in the title race when they were beaten by MC El Bayadh on the road. The Brazilian coach failed to qualify his side for the knockout round of the CAF Champions League, and a defeat here could raise some eyebrows. 

The defending champions were below par in their recent encounter against US Souf, and they have to do better. CR Belouizdad dropped to third place on the log, although they have played two games less than the two teams above them. CR Belouizdad have won six, lost once, and shared the spoils once in their last eight games. 

Last five games: WWLLL

The Usmists lost for the third consecutive game as fans booed, as the loss denied them the chance to chase the title. Having lost heavily to Paradou AC (1-5) and CS Constantine on their ground, USM Alger suffered another shocking defeat on the road against USM Khenchela. A team that was once on a six-game winning streak became so weak that they could hardly score. USM Alger, who were confident of securing their ninth victory in the league, succumbed to a more organized side. The defeat was a hard pill to swallow for the Usmists fans, who trooped out in numbers to witness the bashing. USM Alger dropped two places down the log but could return to the sixth spot with a victory over their opponent. 

The visitors have picked up twenty-six points from a possible fifty-one, scoring twenty-two while conceding nineteen. USM Alger have won three, lost five, and drawn once away from home. 

Over their previous twenty meetings, USM Alger have won eleven while CR Belouizdad have recorded seven wins and two games ending in a tie. CR Belouizdad were not happy with themselves after bowing to a defeat on the road to USM Alger in the reverse leg. The hosts are now out of the race to win the CAF Champions League after failing to make the final two in the group and only having the league title and the Algerian Cup to fight for. 

They have the advantage on their ground and are blessed with players who can produce the result against a solid USM Alger side. Despite the visitors' struggle lately, they remain a threat to any side as they’ll invest all they have here to bounce back. 

It’s a tough encounter for both teams; however, the hosts have a great advantage here as they are keen to reduce the deficit at the top of the log. They are the closest to challenging MC Alger to the title with two games yet to be played, and if they lose here, they might as well hand over the title to the Mouloudians. It’s a tough call, but I’ll put my money on the hosts to win here for 1.85.

This game won’t deprive us of goals, as we think the visitors will likely get a goal here; bet on BTTS for 1.94.

We expect more goals after the break for 2.13.

Good luck!