Bayelsa United vs Rivers United Prediction: Home team can not afford to lose

The Nigeria Professional Football League game between Bayelsa United and Rivers United will occur at the Samson Siasia Sports Stadium. The last time these two teams met, Rivers United secured a 2-0 home win. Can Bayelsa United replicate that performance here?

Bayelsa United are coming off a defeat at the hands of Abia Warriors in a game that ended 1-0. In the meantime, prior to the encounters that led to that defeat, Bayelsa United went five games without a defeat. In that run, Bayelsa United defeated Kano Pillars and Heartland of Owerri while they played to draws with Lobi Stars, Sunshine Stars, and Katsina United. This season in NPFL, Bayelsa United have accumulated 36 points from 31 matches, positioning them 17th in the standings.

Rivers United are coming off a win against Katsina United, and in this encounter, the visiting team will hope for a similar result. In that encounter, Deputy Echeta put them ahead before a second-half Enyinnaya Godswill's goal secured all three points. Rivers United have won all their last three games, with two others coming against Plateau United and the Enugu Rangers. In the NPFL this season, Rivers United have accumulated 40 points, coming from 26 matches.

This will be a cagey affair, with both teams expected to work hard to avoid defeat. However, the hosts are battling relegation, and home matches are vital if they look to stay in the league next season. Therefore, in a game that should end with few goals, the hosts are picked to win at full time.