Saudi Arabia coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro knows he is dealing with the enormous expectations of a nation on Thursday when the hosts kick-off the Gulf Cup against Qatar.

The former Real Madrid boss succeeded Frank Rijkaard in January 2013 following the Falcons'  embarrassing group stage exit in the previous edition.

They stormed to the top of their table in Asian Cup qualifying, though recent results have not been as impressive with just two victories from the last 10 matches.

Qatar and Saudi are the two strongest sides in Group A, with Yemen and Bahrain playing the late match on opening night. In front of a packed media centre in the Saudi capital, Lopez Caro insisted he had faith in his players to deliver in a "very, very, very tough" fixture.

He said: "I know the pressure is very high from the fans, the media, and everybody in Saudi Arabia.

"We will try to do our best. I know we have a lot of injuries, but we have a lot of good players in our team.

"The first match will be very, very, very tough for both teams – not only for us. We will try to do our best to get the three points in this match.

"We know this is the biggest game, and will be important for everyone.

"Qatar are a very strong team. We have played them in friendly matches and got good results.

"The match will be very tough for each team."

Saudi's chances for the clash have been boosted by the late withdrawal of Qatar's two leading stars.

Striker Sebastian Soria – who has 29 goals in 100 caps – has pulled out for personal reason, while magical AFC Player of the Year nominee Khalfan Ibrahim has been struck by injury.

The hosts do not have a clean bill of health themselves however, with Al Hilal's impressive young right-back Yasser Al Shahrani the most high-profile absentee.