Match context and form guide
Algiers will host a clash that could define momentum for the holiday stretch as MC Alger welcome ES Ben Aknoun to Stade Omar Hamadi on December 23, 2025. MC Alger arrive with the cushion of being top of the table in this early part of the 2025/2026 Ligue 1 campaign, boasting eight wins from ten matches and an impressive defensive ledger that has produced six clean sheets at home. Their recent schedule has been a mix of affirmation and a wake-up call: four straight wins were interrupted by a 1-0 reverse at MB Rouissat on December 18, a result that may sharpen their focus rather than derail confidence.
ES Ben Aknoun have been a resilient outfit, grinding out results and picking up five wins and four draws from their last ten encounters. The visitors are ninth in the standings and bring a habit of producing draws — five so far — and a reasonably healthy away scoring record, having netted eight goals on the road this season. Their last outing ended 2-2 at USM Alger, showing they can fight back and find goals when under pressure.
Tactical outlook and historical note
This tie is framed by a recent H2H from the domestic cup in late 2024 where MC Alger dismantled ES Ben Aknoun 3-0, a clear reminder of the gap that can appear on the day. Statistically MC Alger combine conservative scoring with defensive solidity: 12 goals overall but only five conceded in ten matches, while ES Ben Aknoun have a slightly higher goals-against tally. The averages point to matches that often stay tight; both sides prefer to control phases rather than embark on wild end-to-end affairs. The venue in Bab El Oued — intimate and with an 8,000 capacity — tends to amplify home advantage and should favor the champions in form and structure.
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Betting suggestion
Given MC Alger’s home dominance, superior league position, clean-sheet frequency and a decisive 3-0 cup success last season, the clearest single-market play is a straight 1X2 selection: back MC Alger to win. The data supports a home victory while the defensive numbers suggest a controlled game rather than a high-scoring shootout, making MC Alger the logical favorite for this Ligue 1 rendezvous.
