Arema FC Faces Crucial Match Against League Leaders Persib Bandung

Arema FC faces a challenging task in Week 20 of the 2024/2025 BRI Liga 1, hosting league leaders Persib Bandung at Soepriadi Stadium, Blitar City, on Friday (January 24, 2025).

The Singo Edan team is eager to break their poor run in the second half of the season, having suffered two consecutive defeats.

Coach Ze Gomes acknowledged that his current role is difficult. Since taking charge, the Portuguese manager has yet to secure any points, facing harsh criticism from Aremania and the threat of dismissal if he loses this match.

Gomes knows he must secure a win and is preparing surprises in both his lineup and playing style. "We haven’t had much preparation, but we need to maximize what we can. In this situation, winning is essential," said the 48-year-old.

Attacking Strategy
Arema is expected to adopt a more aggressive approach, with attacking midfielder Wiliam Marcilio returning to full fitness after missing the end of the first round. In the previous week’s match against Borneo FC, he played only in the second half.

Gomes hinted at additional surprises for this match but refrained from disclosing details to the media. "There will definitely be changes, but I can’t reveal them here," he stated.

Historically, Gomes has frequently modified the player lineup, especially in defense. This time, changes are anticipated in both the back and midfield.

"What’s crucial is that we convert every opportunity into a goal," he added, recognizing the challenge posed by Persib, a team known for its strong defense.

Head-to-Head: Persib's Dominance
In their recent encounters, Persib has maintained dominance over Arema, remaining unbeaten in their last four meetings when Arema hosted, with three wins and one draw.

Persib’s coach, Bojan Hodak, remains cautious despite his team’s strong record. He respects Arema as a formidable opponent, especially at home, emphasizing the need for his players to remain vigilant. "This match won’t be easy. Arema has a solid home record, and their players and coach are impressive," he said. Nevertheless, Persib aims to secure three points to maintain their position at the top of the standings.

Currently, they hold only a three-point lead over Persebaya Surabaya and Persija Jakarta. After last week's defeat to Dewa United, midfielder Marc Klok stressed the importance of maximizing this upcoming match. "We need to bounce back after the less-than-optimal result against Dewa United," he remarked.

Predicted Lineups
Arema FC (4-3-1-2):
Goalkeeper: Lucas Frigeri
Defenders: Achmad Maulana, Thales Lira, Anwar Rifai, Ahmad Alfarizi
Midfielders: Salim Tuharea, Julian Guevara, Arkhan Fikri
Attacking Midfielder: Wiliam Marcilio
Forwards: Charles Lokolingoy, Dalberto Luan
Coach: Ze Gomes

Persib (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Kevin Mendoza
Defenders: Kakang Rudianto, Kick Kuipers, Gustavo Franca, Edo Febriansyah
Midfielders: Adam Alis, Marc Klok
Attacking Midfielders: Beckham Putra, Tyronne del Pino, Ciro Alves
Forward: Gervane Kastaneer
Coach: Bojan Hodak