ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan (Interstat) — Ahal FC visits city rival Sagadam on Wednesday in a pivotal Ýokary Liga matchup with recent history pointing toward another tightly contested draw.

The two Ashgabat-based clubs have played to 1-1 draws in their last two meetings, both at Ahal’s stadium in May. Ahal won the prior encounter 2-1 at Sagadam on April 3.

Ahal (4-5-5) enters the match following a wild 3-3 draw with powerhouse Altyn Asyr on Nov. 9, a result that showcased its potent attack. The club has been inconsistent, however, sandwiching a 4-1 victory over Kopetdag between a loss to FK Arkadag and a draw in its other recent outings.

Sagadam (5-5-4) looks to rebound from a 2-0 loss to FK Arkadag on Nov. 9. Its form has been mixed, with a 2-1 win over Asgabat on Oct. 26 followed by a scoreless draw with Nebitci.

According to the Interstat game simulator, the most likely outcome is another 1-1 deadlock between the rivals. The result could prove crucial for both sides as they jockey for position in the league table ahead of their next meeting, scheduled for Dec. 1.

The match kicks off at 4 p.m. local time at a Sagadam stadium in the Turkmen capital.