UAE have an abysmal record against their Gulf neighbours Saudi Arabia, tasting victory just five times in 34 meetings since 1972.
They have never won on Saudi soil and their last victory in this fixture was nearly a decade ago. A seven-game losing streak against the Green Falcons was finally halted in March when Omar Abdulrahman netted in a 1-1 draw in Abu Dhabi.
So, what do they need to do to beat Saudi Arabia on Tuesday night? Here, we list five things that could help them turn things around.
TARIQ AHMED MUST START
Mahdi Ali has too often persisted with Amer Abdulrahman, but gave Al Nasr’s Ahmed the nod against Thailand and the 28-year-old was one of the Whites’ top performers. Harrying opponents and neat and tidy in possession, his energy could prove vital in Jeddah.
WHITES WON’T ESCAPE AGAIN
Thailand dominated the second half in Abu Dhabi, with Mohamed Fawzi fading badly, which would have
drastically concerned Ali. Tana Chanabut wasted several chances to add to the Thai tally on Thursday, but any such tardiness from the UAE in Jeddah will be punished.
AHMED TO ANSWER TO KHAL
Rested prior to the Thai game, Ahmed Khalil played 15 minutes and proved his enduring worth to the UAE with his 40th goal for the Whites. Khalil, the sort of player who relishes the big occasion, will play from the start on Tuesday night and his power and prowess in front of goal could prove crucial.
PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE
Ali Mabkhout and Omar Abdulrahman are undoubtedly the UAE’s two best players, but against Thailand they tried to force too many things. They have the class to guide the UAE to three points tonight but they need to play in sync and not overplay and put Saudi on the front foot.
TIME TO BELIEVE
The UAE are better individually but the Saudi collective have long been superior. For the Whites to triumph,
the players have to remove their mental block and truly believe it is possible. Nerves of steel are required in front of 60,000.