MUSCAT: When Oman take on three-time winners Saudi Arabia, the Red Warriors look for a confident start in the Asian campaign they hope to reach the knockout stage for a second straight time.
At the sold-out Khalifa International Stadium, fans of Oman and Saudi are expecting a thrilling contest by the GCC countries.
Oman, coached by Croatian Branko Ivankovic, are on the back of some good friendly wins against China (2-0) and the UAE (1-0) before the Asian showdown.
Saudi Arabia’s Italian head coach Roberto Mancini has been hit by the loss of three players who were part of their famous World Cup win against Argentina in Qatar.
The trio were goalkeeper Nawaf al Aqidi, midfielder Salman al Faraj and full-back Sultan al Ghannam.
Mancini had said these players were on his provisional squad list but refused to make the trip to Qatar because of selection issues.
Aqidi and Ghannam are both starters with Ronaldo's Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr.
The absence of the top stars make Saudi Arabia trail Oman who have players with more international caps and experience
Both the countries are meeting for the first time in the AFC Asian Cup.
A draw will also help both the teams in securing the direct ticket from Group F, which consists Thailand and Kyrgyz Republic as other teams.
Oman in their fifth appearance at the Asian Cup are looking to reverse their opening luck as the Reds Warriors are without a win in each of their previous four opening fixtures (D1 L3), including defeats in each of their last two.
Oman will be plotting for maximum points against Thailand and Kyrgyz Republic.
Their 2019 Round of 16 finish was the best Oman have achieved in the Asian Cup.
Oman's Group F fixtures
16 January
v Saudi Arabia (20:30 local time, Khalifa International Stadium)
21 January
v Thailand (17:30 local time, Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium)
25 January
v Kyrgyz Republic (18:00 local time, Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium)
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