Qatar vs Senegal predictions: African champions far too strong for hosts

- Senegal outshot the Netherlands 14-9 in their opener and kept the Dutch quiet for 84 minutes 
- Qatar managed just five shots against Ecuador and none on target 
- Recommended bet: Senegal to win to zero

Qatar and Senegal were both beaten 2-0 in their opening World Cup matches and therefore there can be no margin for error heading into their meeting on Friday.

The hosts saw their balloon burst early on in the tournament opener as Ecuador repeatedly carved through them in the first half to secure a comfortable win.

Senegal were stung by a late showing from the Netherlands with the Lions of Teranga looking good for at least a point heading into the final six minutes.

These two nations have never played each other but both will be desperate to secure their first points of the tournament.

Team news

Qatar saw four players booked in the first game meaning they will miss the last group match if they collect another yellow card.

Goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb is among those and he struggled in the opener so Meshaal Barsham could be waiting in the wings.

Captain Hassan Al Haydos is set to win his 171st cap as one of five centurions in the home side's line up.

Senegal will be missing Nottingham Forest midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate who was stretchered off with a muscle injury in the Dutch game.

However, Abdou Diallo should be fit after suffering with muscle cramps which saw him get replaced.

Edouard Mendy had a difficult afternoon in between the sticks and the Chelsea man could be replaced by QPR keeper Seny Dieng.

The stats

Senegal, winners of the Africa Cup of Nations, are the favourites for this contest with Qatar lacking any sort of big-tournament experience prior to this World Cup.

Aliou Cisse's men won the CAF tournament in February, winning three of the seven games by more than a one-goal margin.

Even without the talent of Sadio Mane, they still have plenty of threats with Watford's Ismaila Sarr being the main man.

Senegal outshot the Netherlands 14-9 in their opener and were defensively sound for the large part, with the Dutch not hitting the target until they took the lead in the 84th minute.

Qatar struggled badly against an organised side in Ecuador, mustering just five shots in total with none on target, and Senegal will be just as imposing at the Al Thumama Stadium.

The hosts' recent form had been very good prior to losing the first World Cup match, as they had won each of their previous four games.

However, the teams they had beaten playing were generally ones who would not get close to World Cup qualification and the step up has been tough.

Prediction

Senegal should be too strong for the inexperienced hosts in this contest, despite their recent patchy form which has seen them win only two of their last six internationals.

Aliou Cisse's men can at least rely on their winning tournament mentality after their success in the AFCON. 

Senegal's performance against the Dutch also offers plenty of encouragement as they did create opportunities, and kept the tournament dark horses quiet for 84 minutes.

Qatar created very little against Ecuador so Senegal to win to zero is well worthy of consideration at 21/20 with LiveScore Bet.

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