MANAMA, Bahrain (Interstat) — Al Khaldiya SC visits Al Najma on Saturday, May 16, in a Bahrain Premier League match. Al Khaldiya enters the contest on a strong run, having won eight of its past 10 matches. Al Najma has struggled recently, losing five of its past eight games.

Al Khaldiya (8-1-1 in its last 10) last played May 3, a 1-0 victory at Budaiya. The team has not lost since a 1-0 defeat to Al Ahli on Jan. 26. During that stretch, Al Khaldiya scored 17 goals while conceding four. The club’s road form has been particularly strong, with six away wins in its last seven matches, including a 3-1 victory at Sitra on April 18 and a 2-1 win at Malkiya on Feb. 21.

Al Najma (2-6-2 in its last 10) last played May 4, a 3-1 home loss to Muharraq. Al Najma’s most recent victory was a 1-0 home win over Al Hidd on March 13. The club has not won since, going 0-2-1 in its last three matches. Al Najma has been held scoreless in five of its last seven games, including a 3-0 loss to Malkiya on April 28 and a 2-1 defeat at Budaiya on April 16.

The Jan. 9 meeting between the teams was the only head-to-head game this season. Al Khaldiya won 3-0 at home, with goals coming in a dominant performance. Al Najma was held to two shots on target. Al Khaldiya has won the past two meetings dating to last season, outscoring Al Najma 4-0 over that span.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 1-1 draw for Saturday’s match. That would represent a significant improvement for Al Najma, which has not scored against Al Khaldiya in more than two years of meetings. Al Khaldiya has kept clean sheets in three of its last four matches against Al Najma.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time at Al Najma’s home ground. The match carries implications for league positioning, with Al Khaldiya looking to maintain its recent form and Al Najma seeking to snap a three-match winless streak.