China PR FC are looking to finally book their spots in the Round-of-16 of the Asian Cup, by winning against Qatar FC, who already secure their spots. These two squads are just next to each other when it comes to the group standings. China is currently at the second of their group standings, having just two points in their campaign. Moreover, China remains to be winless in the Asian Cup, as their first two matches all ended in draw. Meanwhile, Qatar is sitting at the top of their group as they are with six points across their names. This is basically because Qatar is currently having a perfect campaign, winning their first two matches. The meeting between these two teams is on January 22, 2024, at 11:00 PM (GMT+8).
China PR FC
China’s defensive performance on matchday two was solid, but they struggled in the attacking third, resulting in a lack of victory this year. The team has only scored once in their last five competitive fixtures. However, a victory on Monday could send China into the knockout stage for the third time at this tournament. A draw could earn them a place in the last 16 if Tajikistan and Lebanon play to one another, while a defeat may knock them out depending on other results. China has never ended the group stage of an Asian Cup without a single triumph but has only won one of their final group fixtures since 2007. Dragon’s Team has suffered only one defeat in their last four meetings with Qatar, winning all of their previous Asian Cup encounters against them.
Wu Xi made his first appearance in the competition since a hamstring injury, replacing Xu Xin on matchday two. Newcomers Xin, Dai Wai Tsun, and Zhang Yuning made up the starting 11. Yan Junling maintained his second consecutive clean sheet at the Asian Cup.
Qatar FC
Qatar has secured a spot in the knockout stage for a second consecutive Asian Cup campaign, marking the first time in their history that they have made it beyond the group stage on consecutive occasions. They have been virtually impenetrable since the competition began, posting two clean sheets and a 100% record for the second straight time. Qatar’s back end form is also impressive, with only one conceded goal in their last nine matches. However, recent Asian Cup history suggests that suffering even one slip-up in the opening phase does not bode well for the future, as Australia (2015) was the only side this century to lose a group fixture and win the competition. Qatar has only conceded one opening half goal in their last nine competitive fixtures, including an 8-1 win against Afghanistan in a November 2023 World Cup qualifier.
Qatar starting 11 saw five new players from matchday one to two, including Bassam Al-Rawi, Tarek Salman, Mostafa Meshaal, Jassem Gaber, and Ismaeel Mohammad. Akram Afif tied with Iraqi Aymen Hussein for most goals at the tournament, while Meshaal Barsham maintained a clean sheet.
Prediction:
Qatar FC (2.5)
Odds: -0.84
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