The two-time AFC Asian Cup champions will see the return of key players Akram Afif and Almoez Ali to action, after head coach Marquez Lopez chose to rest several stars during the final two second-round fixtures against Afghanistan and India.

Qatar, looking to qualify for the global showpiece on merit after having made their debut as hosts of the 2022 edition, will not be short of confidence with Ali - who topped the scoring charts with seven goals alongside Korea Republic’s Son Heung-min in the second round and Afif - who won the AFC Asian Cup Golden Boot - key figures to their campaign.

They will face a UAE side seeking a second appearance at the global showpiece, having come agonisingly close to qualifying for the Qatar 2022 edition with Australia ending their campaign in the Asian playoff.

The 2022 heartbreak has fueled Paulo Bento’s side, who cruised into the AFC Asian Qualifiers with two matches to spare. 

The Emiratis, however, have not beaten Qatar since their 4-1 triumph in the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015™ but Bento will believe his side have the quality to end their long wait

Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan

Kick-off: 19:00 hours (UTC+3)