Preview: Burkina Faso vs. Niger - prediction, team news, lineups

With two wins from their final two games needed to progress to the next round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Burkina Faso welcome Niger to the Stade de Marrakech.

On the other hand, Niger are looking to end a barren run which has seen them lose each of their last two matches, conceding 10 goals in that time.

Match preview

Burkina Faso saw off the threat of Djibouti courtesy of a convincing 2-0 victory on October 11.

Goals in either half from Issoufou Dayo and Abdoul Tapsoba fired Kamou Malo's men to all three points.

The Burkinababe remain hot on the trails of current leaders Algeria, trailing the latter only on goal difference with both sides having amassed 10 points from a possible 12.

Awaiting them next is a clash versus an opposing side who suffered a 2-0 defeat in the most recent encounter between the teams on September 2.

Friday's hosts follow up this weekend's game with a grandstand finale versus Algeria next Tuesday, and they will be keen to head into that match on a high.

Niger were beaten on home turf for the sixth game in a row following a 4-0 defeat versus Algeria at the Stade General Seyni Kountche.

Riyad Mahrez, Aissa Mandi, Ismael Bennacer and Baghdad Bounedjah were all on the scoresheet as Jean-Michel Cavalli's men simply had no answer to what was thrown at them.

The Dama gazelle are third in Group A as things stand with three points from their four outings so far.

Friday's visitors, who were hit for six in their last outing away from home, will be wary of another heavy defeat on the road.

Team News

Lassina Traore was on target for the home side in September's game, but the ex-Ajax man is ruled out of this one through injury.

Mohamed Konate also found the back of the net in the aforementioned match and will be looking to deliver the goods once again.

Adebayor Adje has grabbed two of Niger's three goals in the qualifiers to date, making him their biggest threat heading into this weekend's contest.

Kassaly Daouda is expected to keep his place between the sticks, holding off competition from the likes of Oumarou Issaka.

Burkina Faso possible starting lineup:
Koffi; Kabore, Yago, Dayo, Traore; Dabo, Guira, Sangare; Sanogo, Tapsoba, Konate

Niger possible starting lineup:
Daouda; Lybohy, Diabate, Garba, Salamun; Mohamed, Oumarou; Wonkoye, Adebayor, Sosah; Soumana

We say: Burkina Faso 2-1 Niger

With more to play for, the home side will be poised to seize the initiative and take the fight to their visitors. We fancy them to get the job done, albeit by only a narrow margin.

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