UAE vs Qatar Prediction, Preview, Lineups, and Team News | AFC World Cup Qualifiers

UAE vs Qatar Prediction, Preview, Possible Lineups, Head to Head and Team News | AFC World Cup Qualifiers.

Preview

Competition: AFC World Cup Qualifiers
Teams: UAE National Football Team vs Qatar National Football Team
Stage: Group A, Matchday 6
Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM GMT
Venue: Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi

As the AFC World Cup Qualifiers heat up, UAE and Qatar prepare to clash in a high-stakes Group A match. Both teams are vying for a top spot, with United Arab Emirates in third place hosting fourth-placed Qatar. This will mark their sixth group-stage match, and a win here could significantly bolster either team’s chances of qualification.

Form Guide

United Arab Emirates National Football Team

The UAE enters this contest following a mixed run of form. Their last five matches have yielded two wins, one draw, and two losses across all competitions. They recently secured a morale-boosting 3-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan, demonstrating defensive solidity and attacking prowess. A win against Qatar would help them close the gap on group leaders Iran and keep their qualification hopes alive.

Recent Matches:

Win: UAE 3-0 Kyrgyzstan
Loss: UAE 0-2 Iran
Draw: UAE 1-1 Lebanon
Win: UAE 2-1 Thailand
Loss: UAE 0-3 South Korea

Qatar National Football Team

Qatar, the reigning Asian champions, comes into this match with a similar record to UAE. They’ve also won two, drawn one, and lost two of their last five outings. Their 3-2 thriller against Uzbekistan showcased their attacking flair but also raised questions about their defensive stability. Manager Tintin Marquez will aim to fine-tune the team’s approach as they chase three vital points.

Recent Matches:

Win: Qatar 3-2 Uzbekistan
Loss: Qatar 1-4 Iran
Draw: Qatar 1-1 Lebanon
Loss: Qatar 2-3 South Korea
Win: Qatar 4-0 Thailand

Team News

UAE National Football Team

Head coach Paulo Bento will be looking to field a strong lineup but faces injury concerns from their last outing. Defensive stalwarts Zayed Sultan and Khalifa Al-Hammadi were substituted with knocks during the Kyrgyzstan match and are doubtful for this encounter. However, key players such as Harib Suhail and Fabio Lima remain available and in good form.

Injury Concerns:

Zayed Sultan (doubtful)
Khalifa Al-Hammadi (doubtful)

Qatar National Football Team

Qatar coach Tintin Marquez is managing a relatively fit squad but faces fatigue concerns after their grueling 3-2 victory over Uzbekistan. With no major injury issues, Marquez might rotate his lineup to keep the team fresh for this crucial tie.

Injury Concerns:

None

Predicted Lineups

UAE National Football Team (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Khalid Eisa (C)
Defenders: Khaled Aldhanhani, Kouame Autonne Kouadio, Mohammed Omar Al Attas, Marcus Meloni
Midfielders: Mackenzie Hunt, Harib Suhail, Yahia Nader
Forwards: Fabio Lima, Caio Canedo, Yahya Alghassani

Qatar National Football Team (3-4-1-2):

Goalkeeper: Meshaal Aissa Barsham
Defenders: Tarek Salman, Boualem Khoukhi, Lucas Mendes
Midfielders: Bassam Al-Rawi, Ibrahim Al-Hassan, Ahmed Fathy, Mohammed Waad
Forwards: Akram Afif (C), Ahmed Al Ganehi, Almoez Ali

Head-to-Head Record

The rivalry between UAE and Qatar National Football Team has produced thrilling encounters. In their last five meetings, Qatar has the edge with three wins, while UAE has managed one victory.

Last Five Matches:

05/09/24: Qatar 1-3 UAE (World Cup Qualifiers)
13/01/23: Qatar 1-1 UAE (Gulf Cup)
11/12/21: Qatar 5-0 UAE (Arab Cup)
02/12/19: Qatar 4-2 UAE (Gulf Cup)
29/01/19: Qatar 4-0 UAE (AFC Asian Cup)

Key Players to Watch

Harib Suhail (United Arab Emirates):
The attacking midfielder is in red-hot form, having scored a brace in UAE’s 3-0 win over Kyrgyzstan. Suhail’s creativity and goal-scoring ability will be crucial in unlocking Qatar’s defense.

Akram Afif (Qatar):
Qatar’s captain and playmaker, Akram Afif, has been pivotal in his team’s attacking output. With two assists in the previous match against Uzbekistan, Afif will look to inspire Qatar to another vital win.