Top spot in Group J of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign is up for grabs on Friday night when Tunisia and Libya go head-to-head.
Both teams are currently separated by just one point heading into their meeting at Stade Olympique de Rades which promises to be an enthralling affair.
Match preview
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Looking to build on an opening-day 4-0 win over Equatorial Guinea, Tunisia were forced to settle for a point in their second qualifier against Botswana on June 5.
Despite being in the ascendancy for large spells of the contest, Jalel Kadri's men failed to find the all-important breakthrough at the Francistown Stadium.
As a result, the Eagles of Carthage currently lead the way in Group J, a point clear of Equatorial Guinea and Libya after the first two matchdays.
Next up is the task of facing off against an opposing outfit who are without a victory in the most recent seven editions of this fixture, winning just two of the previous 11 clashes overall.
Off the back of five straight clean sheets against continental colleagues, Friday's hosts will once again back themselves to keep things tight at the back.
Like Tunisia, Libya were also denied back-to-back AFCON qualifying victories thanks to a 2-0 defeat against Equatorial Guinea at Nuevo Estadio de Malabo on June 6.
Mohammed Touhami's 51st-minute own goal saw Hamdi Bataw's men fall behind after which Federico Bikoro put the game to bed in its final knockings.
Since then, the Mediterranean Knights have been on a run of two wins in seven outings across all competitions which culminated in a poor showing at the African Nations Championship.
Having suffered defeat in six consecutive away matches leading up to Friday's contest, the visitors will need to get their act together on the road if they are to make significant progress in their quest to book a place at next year's AFCON.
Team News
Wahbi Khazri called it quits on his international career in the aftermath of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the Tunisia legend, who racked up 25 goals in 74 matches, will certainly be missed.
In Khazri's absence, 32-year-old Youssef Msakni has been appointed the new skipper as he closes in on a century of appearance for the home side.
Libya's duo of Anas Al Shibli and Moatassem Iskander, who both play their club football in the first division of Tunisia, will be looking to come up trumps for the visitors.
Muaid Ellafi found the back of the net twice in the last encounter between Friday's opponents, making the midfielder one to keep an eye on.
Tunisia possible starting lineup:
Ben Cherifia; Maaloul, Meriah, Bronn, Drager; Skhiri, Chaalali, Mejbri; Laidouni; Jaziri, Msakni
Libya possible starting lineup:
Al-Wuheeshi; Hamza, Salama, Yousef, Fakroun; Al Shibli, Ellafi, Soulah, Faraj; Elmslaty, Zuway
We say: Tunisia 2-0 Libya
Tunisia's defensive nous, especially on home turf, means that Libya are set to have a hard time finding the back of the net in this one. We are tipping the hosts to have little problem cruising past their visitors and coming away with all three points in the end.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
