South Korea vs. Bahrain (Monday, 11.30am)
© Reuters
South Korea and Bahrain get their respective Asian Cup journeys underway with a meeting at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Monday afternoon.
The teams have been drawn in Group E of the tournament, where they are joined by Malaysia and Jordan in the battle for a place in the knockout phase.
We say: South Korea 3-0 Bahrain
There is a huge gulf in class between the teams, and South Korea are huge favourites to secure maximum points here. We fully fancy them to cruise to all three points in what should be a largely one-sided affair.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Indonesia vs. Iraq (Monday, 2.30pm)
© Reuters
Making their first Asian Cup appearance since 2007, Indonesia begin Group D action by facing Iraq on Monday at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium.
A convincing 7-0 victory over Nepal combined with a win for Jordan versus Kuwait (3-0) enabled the Indonesians to finish second in their third-round qualifying group, while the Lions of Mesopotamia punched their ticket into this tournament by ending the second qualification phase as group runners-up behind Iran.
We say: Indonesia 0-3 Iraq
There is a lot of raw talent on this Indonesian side but not much experience in games of this magnitude, and they could be in for a hard lesson against Iraq.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Malaysia vs. Jordan (Monday, 5.30pm)
© Reuters
Malaysia and Jordan will both be hoping to begin their Asian Cup campaigns with a victory when they meet each other at Al Janoub Stadium on Monday.
This will be Malaysia's first match at Asia's major continental tournament since 2007, whereas Jordan have reached four of the last five Asian Cup's.
We say: Malaysia 1-1 Jordan
This is a difficult match to predict, so we are opting for a draw. Both teams are likely to be desperate to avoid defeat on matchday one, as that would leave their chances of progressing to the knockout stages hanging by a thread. It could be a cagey encounter devoid of inspiration and individual quality as a result.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Barney Corkhill
