Preview: Equatorial Guinea vs. Tunisia - prediction, team news, lineups

With a place in the next round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on the line, Tunisia visit the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo for their meeting against Equatorial Guinea on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the home side are looking to draw level on points with their visitors, keeping their World Cup dream alive in the process.

Match preview

Tunisia dropped points for the first time in a competitive game since the turn of the year following a goalless draw versus Mauritania on October 10.

Despite being on top for the majority of the contest, Mondher Kebaier's men failed to find a breakthrough at the Stade Olympique.

The Eagles of Carthage remain top of Group B, three points clear of this weekend's opponent ahead of a crunch clash in Malabo.

Gunning for a fourth straight win in this fixture and a fifth overall, Saturday's visitors have the edge judging by recent meetings between the teams.

Still yet to concede a goal in their four qualifiers so far, the North Africans will be confident of continuing their already established dominance over their counterparts.

Equatorial Guinea were denied a third win on the spin following a 1-1 stalemate versus Zambia at the National Heroes Stadium on October 10.

Juan Micha's men fell behind to Fashion Sakala's opener 20 minutes into the second period before restoring parity in the final knockings of the tie thanks to Federico Bikoro.

With seven points from the last nine available, the Nzalang Nacional, who are seeking a first ever appearance at the World Cup finals, have given themselves a fighting chance but must now come out on top this weekend in order to keep that dream alive.

Having won both of their two qualifiers on home turf, Saturday's hosts will be hopeful of their home support spurring them to another victory come the full-time whistle.

Team News

Wahbi Khazri had to make do with a second-half cameo versus Mauritania but we expect the Saint Etienne forward to get the nod right from the off this time.

This would see 29-year-old Naim Sliti drop to the bench off the back of an unconvincing performance in the aforementioned game.

Federico Bikoro is in line to make his 31st cap which would take him joint seventh in his nation's all-time appearance chart.

Record goalscorer Emilio Nsue was on target in his last outing on home turf for Equatorial Guinea and the forward will be looking to come up trumps once again.

Equatorial Guinea possible starting lineup:
Owono; Mese, Coco-Bassey, Anieboh, Akapo; Bikoro, Machin, Ganet; Josete, Siata, Nsue

Tunisia possible starting lineup:
Mustapha; Maaloul, Talbi, Bronn, Mathlouti; Sassi, Skhiri, Laidouni; Khazri, Rafia, Jaziri

We say: Equatorial Guinea 1-2 Tunisia

The home side are in the last chance saloon to keep their World Cup hopes alive and we expect them to be fully up for it. However, the visitors boast a better squad and we fancy the away side to carry the day.

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