AFC Asian Cup 2023: Saudi Arabia vs Oman: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Saudi Arabia have won the AFC Asian Cup on three occasions but never in the 21st century.

Saudi Arabia will begin their 2023 AFC Asian Cup campaign with a fixture against Oman at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar on 16 January 2024. Both teams are favourites to qualify from Group F into the knockout stages by securing the top two direct qualifying positions.

Considering the high stakes on the line, both Saudi Arabia and Oman will go all the way for victory and three points. Starting the tournament with a win will also help build momentum and boost morale. As the teams prepare for their first game of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, here is what to expect from their clash:

Kick-off

Tuesday, 16 January 2024, 11:00 PM IST (17:30 GMT) at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

Form

Saudi Arabia (all competitions): W-W-W-D-W

Oman (all competitions): L-W-L-W-W

Player to Watch

Firas Al-Buraikan (Saudi Arabia)

Firas Al-Buraikan is a lethal forward who has been enjoying his time at the club level. The striker has 13 goals and five assists in 19 matches for Al-Ahli SC across the Saudi Pro League and the King’s Cup. He has six goals in 36 appearances for the Arabian Falcons and will likely add more to his tally considering his recent form.

Muhsen Al-Ghassani (Oman)

Muhsen Al-Ghassani will be the focal point in Oman’s frontline. He is a good finisher who also has the habit of dropping deep to help with the build-up. The striker has eight goals in 45 international caps and the fans will be expecting him to find the back of the net several times at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. Saudi Arabia’s defenders will be wary of him and his threat inside the box.

Match Facts

• Saudi Arabia have kept a clean-sheet in each of their last five matches.
• Oman have defeated Saudi Arabia only three times in 26 games.
• Saudi Arabia have won the AFC Asian Cup on three occasions but never in the 21st century.

Head-to-Head

Total Matches Played – 26

Saudi Arabia wins – 18

Oman wins – 3

Draws – 5

Predicted Line-up

Saudi Arabia (3-5-2)

Al-Aqidi (GK), Al-Bulayhi, Al-Saluli, Al-Tambakti, Mukhtar Ali, Kanno, Yahya, Al-Dawsari, Ghareeb Radif, Al-Buraikan, .

Oman (4-4-2)

Al-Mukhaini (GK), Al-Alawi, Al-Khamisi, Al-Braiki, Al-Kaabi, Al-Saadi, Fawaz, Al-Yahyaei, Al-Yahmadi, Al-Subhi, Al-Ghassani

Match Prediction for Saudi Arabia vs Oman

It is set to be a close game but Saudi Arabia have better individual players than Oman who can make the all-important difference when push comes to shove.

Prediction: Saudi Arabia 2-0 Oman

Telecast for Saudi Arabia vs Oman

India – Sports 18, Jio Cinema

Saudi Arabia – Shahid

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

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

Australia – Network 10

For worldwide broadcast information, click here.

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