World Cup Qualifying - Asia | Third Round

Nov 14, 2024 at 12am UK

Sultan Qaboos Sport Complex

Omanvs.Palestine

Match preview

Oman are in the third phase of qualifying after finishing top of their group in the second round with 13 points from six matches.

Unfortunately for Oman, life has been much tougher for them in the third qualifying round, where they have won one and lost three of their four matches.

They began their campaign with back-to-back defeats, losing 1-0 away to Iraq before going down 3-1 at home to South Korea.

The defeats prompted Oman to part company with former Czech Republic coach Jaroslav Silhavy, who was sacked after less than seven months in charge.

Rashid Jaber, who was appointed as Silhavy's successor, began his tenure with a thumping 4-0 win over Kuwait, but was quickly stopped in his tracks by a heavy 4-0 defeat to Jordan.

Oman currently sit in the top four on goal difference, four points adrift of the automatic qualifying spots with six games remaining in the third stage of qualifying.

Palestine began their qualifying campaign in the second round, collecting eight points from six matches to finish second in Group I, ahead of Lebanon and Bangladesh.

They won two of their six games in the second stage, but are still waiting for their first win in the third stage after picking up just two points from their four matches.

Palestine kicked off the third round with an encouraging draw against South Korea, producing a strong defensive performance to hold their opponents to a goalless draw in Seoul.

However, instead of building on this promising start, Palestine lost back-to-back matches, going down 3-1 to Jordan and narrowly losing 1-0 to Iraq.

They avoided another defeat in their most recent outing against Kuwait, when Zaid Qunbar scored a stoppage-time equaliser to earn a 2-2 draw for a 10-man Palestine.

They will look to build upon that result in Thursday's fixture as they look to end a six-game winless run by claiming their first win since beating Bangladesh 1-0 in March.

Recent Performance

Oman World Cup Qualifying - Asia form:WDLLWL

Palestine World Cup Qualifying - Asia form:DLDLLD

Team News

Oman are likely to start with a back four of Abdul Aziz Al Shamousi, Ahmed Al-Khamisi, Mohammed Al-Musalami and Ali Al-Busaidi.

Muhsen Al-Ghassani and Omar Al-Malki both found the back of the net in Oman's last meeting with Palestine in 2023, and both could be in contention to start the final meeting between the two countries.

As for Palestine, defender Camilo Saldana will serve a one-match ban after being sent off for two bookable offences in the draw with Jordan.

Mohammed Khalil could replace Saldana at left-back, while Tamer Seyam and Qunbar could also be in contention.

Possible starting lineup

Oman possible starting lineup:

Al-Mukhaini; Al Shamousi, Al-Khamisi, Al-Musalami, Al-Busaidi; Al-Yahmadi, Al-Saadi, Al-Alawi, Al-Mushaifri

Palestine possible starting lineup:

Hamadeh; Al-Battat, Saleh, Mahajna, Khalil; Abu Warda, Kharoub, Rashid, Seyam; Qunbar, Abou Ali