Qatar will host Uzbekistan in the Asian Cup quarter-final at the Al-Bayt stadium in Al Khor on February 3.
Here is how bookies rate both teams' chances for the win (odds powered by Megapari):
Qatar – 2.41
Draw – 3.15
Uzbekistan – 2.97
Qatar
Everything has been going perfectly well for the cup hosts so far: three wins and three clean sheets in the group and a 2-1 win against Palestine in the last 16.
However, the upcoming game will require full focus and maximum involvement from Qatar. In the previous match, they allowed their opponents to open the scoring and create one big chance after another. If it happens again, that could stop Qatar from going to the semis.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan have been undefeated at this Asian Cup so far: 3-0 against India, 0-0 against Syria, 1-1 against Australia and 2-1 against Thailand.
The bad news for Uzbekistan is the suspension of their key defender, Abdukodir Khusanov. The RC Lens man is missing the game due to the yellow card he was shown against Thailand.
Qatar vs Uzbekistan: Facts to know
Qatar are on an 11-game winning streak.
In the previous Asian Cup, Qatar conceded just once. This year, they also have conceded only one goal so far.
Uzbekistan have been undefeated in 11 games in a row: seven wins and four draws.
Qatar vs Uzbekistan: Head-to-head
There have been 14 games between the sides and Uzbekistan are the dominating team so far: ten wins, one draw and three defeats.
However, in the Asian Cup, the teams have met just once. In 2011, they faced off in the group stage: Qatar lost 0-2 but both teams qualified for the playoffs.
Qatar vs Uzbekistan: Predictions and betting tip
Home crowd, more time to get ready for the game, the absence of the key opposition defender and maybe a bit of favouring from the officials: everything suggests Qatar will qualify.
Considering Uzbekistan are a stubborn team, the game can very well go to extra-time though.
Our betting tip: Qatar, no draw (Megapari odds – 1.70)
