Etoile Metlaoui vs AS Soliman on January 23
On January 23, the League 1 tournament will feature a crucial clash between two teams with different ambitions this season: Etoile Metlaoui and AS Soliman. With both sides seeking to cement their positions in the middle of the table, this match promises to be a tactical battle with high stakes for each team’s hopes for the remainder of the campaign. A win here would boost confidence and momentum, while a loss could signal further troubles for one of the sides as they aim to avoid slipping into the lower half of the standings.
Etoile Metlaoui: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Etoile Metlaoui comes into this fixture on the back of an inconsistent run, with just 2 wins in their last 5 matches. Their tactical setup tends to be a balanced 4-4-2, relying on a solid defensive structure and counter-attacking football. The team has shown a strong defensive resolve, with an average of just 1.1 goals conceded per match over the past five fixtures. However, their offensive output remains lacking, with an xG (expected goals) of only 1.3 per match, indicating an over-reliance on set-pieces and long balls.
The key to their success in this system has been the form of central midfielder Yassine Ayari, who has provided both defensive stability and creative passes from deep. His ability to break up opposition attacks and distribute the ball efficiently will be vital against a more dynamic side like AS Soliman. However, Etoile Metlaoui will be without winger Mohamed Ben Ali due to suspension, a significant blow given his ability to stretch the opposition with pace on the flanks.
AS Soliman: Tactical Approach and Current Form
AS Soliman, by contrast, comes into the match in a better run of form, having won 3 of their last 5 matches. Their preferred system is a 4-3-3, which encourages possession-based football, using the wide players to exploit the spaces behind opposing full-backs. They rank among the highest in League 1 for possession in the final third (55%) and have consistently maintained a high pass completion rate of 85%, suggesting a focus on careful build-up play and maintaining control over the game.
Forward Khalil Gharbi has been their standout performer, providing both goals and assists. His link-up play with the wingers has been crucial, particularly in their recent wins. With Gharbi in form, they have the ability to break down even well-structured defenses, but they must find ways to convert their chances — as their xG of 1.5 per match indicates a need for improvement in front of goal. Defensively, AS Soliman has been more vulnerable, conceding 1.4 goals per game in their last 5 matches, and they will need to tighten up at the back against a physically strong side like Etoile Metlaoui.
Injuries to central defender Walid Hadrani and right-back Tarek Jemaa will force AS Soliman to shuffle their back line. How well they adapt to these changes will be a key factor in the match.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In recent encounters between these two sides, the matches have been closely contested, with Etoile Metlaoui edging out a win in 2 of the last 5 meetings. The most recent clash, back in November, ended in a goalless draw, a result that reflected the balanced nature of their play. Historically, Etoile Metlaoui has had the upper hand at home, but AS Soliman will take confidence from the fact that their last win at Metlaoui came just last season, showing they can perform in difficult away conditions.
The psychological battle will be significant here. Etoile Metlaoui will feel the pressure of their home crowd and the necessity to bounce back from recent poor form, while AS Soliman knows that a win could elevate them into the upper half of the table, potentially pushing for a continental spot.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The key tactical battle in this match will undoubtedly take place in the wide areas. Etoile Metlaoui’s full-backs, led by captain Ahmed Gharbi, will be tasked with containing the pace and dribbling skills of AS Soliman’s wingers, particularly Ahmed Saidi and Firas Khemiri. The ability of Gharbi and his fellow defenders to prevent crosses into the box will be critical, as Soliman’s best chances tend to come from wide areas.
Another key battle will be in midfield, where Yassine Ayari faces off against Soliman’s influential playmaker Fathi Jaouadi. Ayari’s pressing and ability to disrupt the opposition's build-up play will be crucial to breaking up Soliman’s rhythm. If he succeeds in cutting off their passing lanes, Etoile Metlaoui will have a chance to control possession and potentially catch Soliman on the break.
Finally, the battle between the two strikers — Etoile Metlaoui’s Anouar Dhouib and Soliman’s Khalil Gharbi — will be one to watch closely. Both players have been instrumental in their respective teams’ attacking play, and the side that can get the better of this matchup could hold the key to the game.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The match is likely to be a tight, tactical affair. Etoile Metlaoui will look to stifle the game with their compact defensive shape, relying on counter-attacks to find the breakthrough. On the other hand, AS Soliman will aim to dominate possession, patiently probing for openings and looking to exploit the space on the flanks. Given the suspensions and injuries to both sides, this game may hinge on moments of individual brilliance or mistakes in defense.
Given the current form of both teams and their tactical setups, the most likely outcome is a narrow victory for either side. Soliman’s greater attacking depth and form might give them the edge, especially if Gharbi continues his impressive run. However, Etoile Metlaoui’s solid defensive foundation could prove resilient, and a draw is certainly not out of the question. With that said, Soliman might just edge it 1-0 or 2-1, taking advantage of the spaces left by Etoile Metlaoui’s pressing style.
Final Thoughts
This match will test both teams’ ability to execute their respective tactics under pressure. Etoile Metlaoui will need to neutralize Soliman’s attacking flair, while Soliman will aim to exploit the weaknesses in the home side’s defense. The result of this match will be determined by which team can impose their style and handle key individual duels effectively. Will Etoile Metlaoui bounce back from their recent poor form, or will Soliman continue their upward trajectory?
