ES Setif vs USM Alger Prediction: The visiting team will not lose

At Stade 8 Mai 1945, ES Setif will play USM Alger in round 14 of the Algeria Ligue 1. The last time these two teams faced, the visiting USM Alger secured maximum points. At home, can ES Setif secure a win? I will provide a preview of the match below while offering betting opportunities. 

ES Setif's last league game was against Paradou AC, and they suffered a defeat. In that encounter, ES Setif went behind before the break with Ben Ahmed Kohili's strike, putting their opponent in the lead. However, Drive Chaabi levelled the score for this side in the 62nd minute, but a 70th-minute Adil Boulbina strike was enough to see them end on the losing end. 

Meanwhile, prior encounters to that defeat saw ES Setif go four games without suffering a defeat. ES Setif defeated Olympique Akbou and Khenchela in those encounters while drawing MC Alger and JS Kabylie. With 19 points from 13 matches, ES Setif sits third in the league, scoring 13 goals and conceding 12.

USM Alger's last encounter was against ASEC Mimosas in the CAF Confederation Cup, and they won. In a game that ended 3-0, USM Alger needed a brace from Ismail Belkacemi and Mohamed Ali Yabre's own goal to secure maximum points. In the meantime, a look at USM Alger's recent matches shows they have lost only once, coming against Constantine in the league. However, other encounters ended in wins over Orapa United, Mostaganem and JS Saoura while drawing Jaraaf, Kabylie, ASO Chlef, and CR Belouizdad.

USM Alger have played only nine matches this season compared to their opponent's 13. In those encounters, USM Alger accumulated 16 points, scoring six goals, while conceding two as they sit 10th spot.

I understand ES Setif are playing well and have had strong results in this fixture, but the visiting team's improvement is on another level. While USM Alger are performing well in intercontinental matches, I expect them to replicate that performance in this fixture. There is no better outcome in this game than a low-scoring game, and while the two teams look consistent at the moment, a draw at full time is a good option to consider.