Qatar’s 2-0 reversal at the hands of Ecuador on opening night, and Senegal’s loss to the Netherlands by the same scoreline 24 hours later, have heightened the stakes in this one.
Defeat for the host nation, coupled with the Dutch avoiding defeat against Ecuador later on Friday, would see Qatar become the first side to be eliminated from the tournament.
That fate would befall Senegal, meanwhile, if they lose and the South Americans beat the Netherlands.
Plenty to play for, then.
That context could encourage positivity from both and tee up a thrilling encounter. Although it’s also not too difficult to envisage the opposite occurring – it would be understandable if tension took hold and a tight contest ensued.
TEAM NEWS
Qatar
Félix Sánchez’s side appear to have a clean bill of health going into this one. Continuity could prove especially valuable in the circumstances, even if their display will need to be considerably more incisive than against Ecuador.
Rarely did they feel genuinely threatening on Sunday, but there were a couple of promising flashes of quality – moments they’ll need to build upon if they want anything from this one.
Senegal
Aliou Cissé does look like he’ll be forced into a couple of changes, however.
Both Abdou Diallo – who played at left-back rather than in his usual centre-back role – and midfielder Cheikhou Kouyaté were forced off with muscular injuries in the second half of the Netherlands defeat.
That will likely see Ismail Jakobs come in for the former, while Pape Gueye could take the place of the latter in the centre of the park.
Another option would be for Idrissa Gana Gueye, who operated in an advanced midfield role on Monday, to drop back alongside Nampalys Mendy. That could then free up a spot for another forward, such as Bamba Dieng, to come in.
Given Qatar’s emphasis on possession, though, Senegal may feel the best approach will be to start with three conventional midfielders.
Likely lineups
Qatar (3-1-4-2):
1. Saad Al Sheeb; 15. Bassam Al-Rawi, 16. Boualem Khoukhi, 3. Abdelkarim Hassan; 12. Karim Boudiaf; 2. Pedro Miguel, 10. Hassan Al Haydos (C), 6. Abdelaziz Hatem, 14. Homam Ahmed; 19. Almoez Ali, 11. Akram Afif
Senegal (4-2-3-1):
16. Édouard Mendy; 21. Youssouf Sabaly, 3. Kalidou Koulibaly (C), 4. Pape Abou Cissé, 14. Ismail Jakobs; 26. Pape Gueye, 6. Nampalys Mendy; 15. Krépin Diatta, 5. Idrissa Gana Gueye, 18. Ismaïla Sarr; 9. Boulaye Dia
KEY PLAYERS
Qatar – Akram Afif
Having been largely subdued within the opening match, it now feels additionally clear that Afif will likely need to be a prominent figure on Friday if the hosts are to get a result.
His keenness to drop from the frontline to dictate play and make things happen was evident on Sunday. If he can do that in a way that helps build more potent attacks against Senegal, then he might just give his nation a platform upon which they can gain some more productive control.
Senegal – Ismaïla Sarr
Particularly within the goalless first half on Monday, Sarr looked to be the chief driving force of the Senegalese attack.
Starting from the left flank – the position Sadio Mané would likely have taken up had he been fit – the Watford man consistently made life difficult for Matthijs de Ligt and looked the most likely scorer or creator.
He will probably be facing another back-three here and that could suit him, especially given Qatar will need to be front-footed in at least some moments.
MATCH DETAILS
WHERE IS THE GAME BEING PLAYED?
Al Thumama Stadium, Doha
WHAT TIME IS KICK-OFF?
Kick-off is at 1pm GMT (UK) on Friday 25th November.
HOW CAN I WATCH?
In the UK, the game is due to be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.