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

Hosts Qatar are the only team to score in Group A so far.

Qatar men’s national football team will face China in their final Group A game of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 on Monday, 22 January 2024 at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar. The reigning champions are already through to the knockout stages after winning their opening matches against Lebanon and Tajikistan. 

However, China’s fate is yet to be confirmed. While they are sitting in second place with two points, the final round of matches could spring up a surprise in terms of final group standings depending on which team wins in the other fixture between Tajikistan and Lebanon. With two points from two matches, the Dragon’s Team must find a way to cause an upset and take advantage of Qatar potentially resting their key players for the fixture.

Here is what to look out for ahead of Qatar’s clash with China in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup:

Kick Off

Monday, 22 January 2024, 8:30 PM IST at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

Form

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

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

Players to Watch

Almoez Ali (Qatar)

Almoez Ali has been underwhelming so far in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. He has scored only one goal which is below par considering his standards. It won’t be a surprise to see him leading the forward line against China. The head coach, Tintin Marquez, must keep faith in his striker and give him a run out to rediscover his goal-scoring form that saw him win the Golden Boot in the 2019 edition.

Zhang Linpeng (China)

China has not conceded in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup thanks to figures like Linpeng Zhang in the defensive ranks. The centre-back was crucial in keeping a clean sheet against Lebanon in the second game of the group stages. The skipper made six clearances and won 11 duels in a fabulous performance. If China is to stop Qatar from scoring, then Zhang must repeat his stellar performance in the game against Lebanon.

Match Facts

• Qatar are the only team to score in Group A after the completion of the second round of matches.
• China has scored two goals in their last five matches.
• Almoez Ali scored nine goals in the 2019 edition of the AFC Asian Cup.

Head-to-Head

Total Matches Played – 19

Qatar wins – 6

China wins – 8

Draws – 5

Predicted Line-up

Qatar (4-3-3)

Barsham (GK), Al-Rawi, Salman, Mendes, Waad, Mashaal, Khoukhi, Abdulsallam, Ismael Mohd., Alaaeldin, Ali.

China (5-3-2)

Yan (GK), Liu, Zhu, Browning, L. Zhang, Xie, Wang, Tsun, Xu, Lei, Y. Zhang

Prediction for Qatar vs China

Qatar looks to be the favourites but there is a chance that the hosts might choose to rest key players or give them fewer game-time as they are already through to the knockout stages. China can benefit from this strategy and cause an upset.

Prediction: Qatar 2-2 China

Telecast for Qatar vs China

India – Sports 18, Jio Cinema

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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