UAE vs Hong Kong Prediction & Match Preview

UAE finished at the top of the table in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. They went on to reach the semi-final. This time, their objective remains the same. Their main rivals are Iran in Group C this time. Manager Paulo Bento will expect his team to win all three points as they take on Hong Kong in their first group-stage game at Khalifa International Stadium.

On the other hand, Hong Kong impressed everyone following their 2-1 win against China in a friendly game. However, they could not repeat the same when they faced Tajikistan. The team’s main concern is that they are lacking consistency. In the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, they lost to Iran and Bhutan.

Recent Meetings

This is going to be the third time both teams will play against each other. UAE won the last two meetings against this team. In the AFC Asian Cup 2013 qualifiers, they defeated Hong Kong by scoring four goals. Do note that Hong Kong’s last appearance in the AFC Asian Cup was back in 1968.

Who will win the match between United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong?

The chances are high that UAE will secure all three points. They finished fourth in the AFC Asian Cup 2019. In the 2015 edition, they secured the third place. This pattern will likely continue in this year’s competition as well. The team is well-prepared and have an excellent winning record against Hong Kong.

How many goals can be expected?

UAE scored six goals against Bahrain and Nepal in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Their main striker is Ali Mabkhout who has earned a legendary status as he is joint-third among its all-time leading goalscorers in this competition. In a friendly game against Kyrgyzstan, he scored a penalty for his national team.

UAE have all the qualities to win this competition. They will aim for a hattrick as in the previous two editions, they successfully reached the semi-finals. On the other hand, Hong Kong will be cautious as they have missed this competition since the last fifty years. Considering all this, the first tip is that United Arab Emirates will win both halves of this game– the odd for this tip will be at 1.70 odd.

Moving on, our second tip for this game is that over 2.5 goals– the odd for this tip will be priced at 1.70 odd. The main reason for this tip is that UAE scored six goals against Bahrain and Nepal.

Also, it will be wise to back Ali Mabkhout to score anytime – the odd for this tip will be at 1.73. He is arguably the best goal-scorer in this competition’s history. Manager Paulo Bento has assigned the goal-scoring responsibility to him.  He is only behind only behind Ali Daei and Lee Dong-gook in this competition’s history.

Victor Dias- January 11, 2024

UAE vs Hong Kong Betting Tips

HT/FT - United Arab Emirates/United Arab Emirates

OK

1.69 Odds

Over 2.5 goals

OK

1.70 Odds

Ali Mabkhout to score anytime

OK

1.73 Odds