BIR EL DJIR, Algeria (Interstat) — Oran will host Khenchela on Thursday at Stade Olympique d’Oran in Bir El Djir. Oran is 3-0-1 across all competitions, while Khenchela is 1-1-3. The home side is unbeaten and will look to control possession, while the visitors seek to build on a 2-0 home victory over Constantine.

Oran’s player to watch is Mokhtar Belkhiter. He played 90 minutes in a recent 1-0 win at Biskra and a 0-0 draw against ES Setif. Mouad Hadded and Ousmane Coumbassa also played full matches in the Biskra win, giving Oran a settled core. Belkhiter’s durability and positioning could be important against a Khenchela team that has been difficult to break down.

Khenchela’s player to watch is Oussama Litim. Litim played 90 minutes in a recent 0-1 match at CR Belouizdad. He will be counted on for composure as Khenchela looks to absorb pressure and threaten on transitions. Khenchela’s season has included a 1-0 loss at CR Belouizdad, a 0-0 draw at Saoura, a 1-1 home draw with Ben Aknoun and a 0-0 home draw with USM Alger. Khenchela has three draws and one loss in those four matches.

Oran’s recent form includes a 1-0 road win at Biskra, a 0-0 home draw with ES Setif, a 1-0 road win at Chlef and a 2-0 home win over CR Temouchent. Oran has scored four times without conceding in those matches, according to the available results. That balance has helped the club remain unbeaten. Belkhiter, Hadded and Coumbassa were among the most productive contributors in the Biskra win, each logging 90 minutes.

Khenchela has scored three goals and conceded two in five matches. Oran has scored four and conceded none in four. Oran will aim to use home advantage and its unbeaten start to apply sustained pressure. The visitors will need Litim and the defense to manage long spells without the ball. Khenchela’s most recent result was a 2-0 home win over Constantine, which ended a stretch of four matches without a victory.

The game is scheduled for Thursday at Stade Olympique d’Oran in Bir El Djir. Oran will be the home team, and Khenchela will be the visiting team. Both sides enter with different records but similar recent emphasis on defensive organization. Oran has the stronger overall mark, while Khenchela has shown it can compete in low-scoring matches. Oran’s only draw this season came against ES Setif.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of Oran 0, Khenchela 0. Interstat’s ELO system projects Oran with a 92 percent probability to win.