AFC Asian Cup 2023: China vs Tajikistan: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Winning this AFC Asian Cup Group A game will be vital in gaining momentum for both teams.

China and Tajikistan will lock horns in their opening 2023 AFC Asian Cup fixture on 13 January 2024 at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar. Both sides are direct competitors for the second spot in Group A since Qatar is the favourite to secure the top spot as the top two teams advance into the knockout stages. 

Therefore, winning the contest will have huge implications for both China and Tajikistan in their 2023 AFC Asian Cup campaign. Eyes will be on securing three points but both teams are close in terms of quality which could also see the fixture ending in a closely-fought draw.

Here is a look at what can be expected from the Group A fixture between China and Tajikistan in the forthcoming 2023 AFC Asian Cup:

Kick-off

Saturday, 13 January, 14:30 PM GMT at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

Form

China (in all competitions): W-L-W-L-L

Tajikistan (in all competitions): W-W-D-W-W

Players to Watch

Wu Lei (China)

Wu Lei is one of the most experienced players in the Chinese football team. He has accumulated 91 international caps and 32 goals for the national team. The 32-year-old is the second-highest scorer in China’s history and has his eyes set on the number-one spot. He scored recently in a 2-1 win over Thailand in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Rustam Soirov (Tajikistan)

Rustam Soirov leads Tajikistan’s forward line. He will shoulder the responsibility of scoring goals for the Crowns at the AFC Asian Cup. The 21-year-old striker has a lot of qualities which can be problematic for the opponents. China’s defenders must not allow Soirov space inside the box as he is a lethal finisher who receives a lot of service from the wingers which is one of the tactical approaches in the final third of Tajikistan.

Match Facts

• Tajikistan is undefeated in the last five matches heading into the contest.
• China is undefeated against Tajikistan in all of their previous five meetings.
• Tajikistan (109) is the fifth lowest-ranked team at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

Head to Head

Total Matches Played – 5

China wins – 4

Tajikistan wins – 0

Draws – 1

Predicted Line-up

China (4-4-2)

Yan Junling (GK), Liu Yang, Zhang Linpeng, Zhu Chenjie, Tyias Browning, Wu Xi, Liu Binbin, Wang Shangyuan, Wei Shihao, Wu Lei, Zhang Yuning

Tajikistan (4-2-3-1)

Khasanov (GK), Safarov, Khanonov, Dzhuraboev, Nazarov, Juraboev, Umarbaev, Pandzhshanbe, Dzhailov, Kamolov, Soirov

Match prediction for China vs Tajikistan

China are on-paper a better side than Tajikistan. Fans can expect the former to emerge victorious in this tie.

Prediction: China 3-0 Tajikistan

Telecast for China vs Tajikistan

India – Sports 18, Jio Cinema

China PR – Iqiyi, Miguvideo

Tajikistan – Varzishtv

Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Oman – BeinSports, Alkass

United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Belgium, Netherlands – Triller TV

Australia – Network 10

AFC Asian Cup 2023 Worldwide Broadcast Details: Click here

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