Thailand vs. Kyrgyzstan (Tuesday, 2.30pm)
© Reuters
Group F teams begin their Asian Cup campaigns on Tuesday as Thailand face Kyrgyzstan at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in the second successive appearance of this competition for both nations.
A 3-0 win over the Maldives in their opening third-round Asian Cup qualifying fixture ultimately enabled the War Elephants to make a return trip into this competition, while the White Falcons went unbeaten in their third-round group.
We say: Thailand 0-2 Kyrgyzstan
Knowing who is up next for Kyrgyzstan should raise their urgency level for this opening encounter, and we expect them to be aggressive and pounce on a Thailand team struggling psychologically following that lopsided defeat to Japan.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Saudi Arabia vs. Oman (Tuesday, 5.30pm)
© Reuters
Three-time Asian Cup winners Saudi Arabia kick off their campaign in Qatar on Tuesday evening, as they take on Group F rivals Oman at Khalifa International Stadium.
The two teams meet in Al Rayyan, both aiming for a fast start to a section also featuring Thailand and Kyrgyzstan.
We say: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Oman
Starting with perhaps their trickiest test of the group stage, Saudi Arabia could find Oman a tough nut to crack and may have to settle for a draw from their Asian Cup opener. The Reds are set up to contain bigger teams and counter-attack at pace, and that should help them pick up a point.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Oliver Thomas
