Tajikistan vs. Lebanon (Monday, 3.00pm)
© Reuters
Two sides seeking a place in the knockout stage of the Asian Cup for the first time will square off on Monday as Tajikistan face Lebanon at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
Heading into the final set of fixtures in Group A, both sides are tied for third with a single point, after the Crowns lost 1-0 to Qatar in midweek, while the Lebanese played to a 0-0 draw with China.
We say: Tajikistan 1-1 Lebanon
While we expect a greater sense of urgency from both sides in this match, given the stakes, it is difficult to envision either having a decisive attacking edge.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Qatar vs. China (Monday, 3.00pm)
© Reuters
China can guarantee their place in the last 16 of the Asian Cup with a victory over Qatar on Monday at Khalifa International Stadium.
Thanks to a 1-0 triumph on matchday two versus Tajikistan, the reigning champions and current hosts assured themselves a place in the knockout stage, while the Chinese played to a 0-0 draw with Lebanon.
We say: Qatar 1-0 China
Marquez seems to have reinstilled the confidence lost within this group after their disastrous 2022 World Cup campaign.
Even if we see numerous changes to the Qatar lineup as we anticipate, this is a side incredibly compact when off the ball, while China look frustrated and lost in the attacking third.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Barney Corkhill
