Buriram United vs Shabab Al-Ahli Predictions & Tips - Buriram Tipped to Avoid AFC Defeat
Buriram United and Shabab Al-Ahli are poised to face each other for the first time in the AFC Elite quarter-finals this Saturday. Buriram heads into the match with significant momentum, having remained unbeaten in eight of their last ten matches. In contrast, Shabab Al-Ahli shows mixed form but comes off a recent win against Tractor. With both teams ready for a historic clash at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium, a thrilling encounter is expected as fans eagerly anticipate the outcome.
- One-legged AFC quarter-final takes place in Jeddah
- Buriram United tipped to avoid a 90-minute defeat on Saturday
- Watch Buriram United vs Shabab Al-Ahli in the AFC Elite
- Buriram United vs Shabab Al-Ahli Predictions
- Buriram United Tough to Beat
- Buriram and Shabab Al-Ahli Set for First-Ever Encounter
- Buriram In Solid Form
- Shabab Al-Ahli in Mixed Form
- Predicted Lineups and Team News
Buriram United vs Shabab Al-Ahli Predictions
Buriram have surprised many with their AFC Elite performances this season, and I fancy the Thai side to at least avoid defeat in 90 minutes. A home win or draw is my preferred pick in neutral Jeddah.
Buriram United Tough to Beat
- Buriram United are unbeaten in 8 of their last 10 matches (AFC Elite)
- Shabab Al-Ahli failed to win 4 of their last 6 matches (AFC Elite)
Buriram and Shabab Al-Ahli Set for First-Ever Encounter
Buriram United and Shabab Al-Ahli will meet for the first time on Saturday.
Buriram In Solid Form
Buriram United turn their attention to the AFC Elite quarter-finals after a dramatic 2-0 win against Ayutthaya United in the Thai League One. Mark Jackson's side needed a stoppage-time brace from Robert Zulj to see off their stubborn opponents.
The Thunder Castle dominated the contest, registering 33 shots while forcing Ayutthaya goalkeeper Warut Mekmusik into 14 saves.
Jackson's men have been in solid form over the past two months, recording 11 wins while losing just one of 15 fixtures across all competitions.
The Thai League 1 champions have proven a tough side to beat on the continental stage. Buriram finished fourth in the AFC East section, losing just two of eight league phase fixtures.
Competing in the AFC quarter-finals for the first time in their history, Buriram booked their place in the last eight with a penalty shootout triumph against Melbourne City last month.
Shabab Al-Ahli Edge Past Tractor
Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai return to AFC Elite action after eventually overcoming Iranian side Tractor earlier this week. After a goalless first half, Alireza Beiranvand's dismissal on 52 minutes proved the turning point in Jeddah.
Goals from Yuri Cesar (65', pen.), Saeed Ezatolahi (80'), and Mateusao (90+8) secured a hard-fought but deserved win for Paulo Sousa's side.
The UAE champions have been in mixed form over the past couple of months. Al-Ahli had failed to win six of their previous ten matches before their success against Tractor.
Similarly inconsistent in continental performances, Al Ahli failed to win four of six previous AFC Elite fixtures, while they slipped to defeat in three of four league phase road matches.
Predicted Lineups and Team News
Buriram United (4-3-2-1) Neil Etheridge; Shinnaphat Leeaoh, Myeong-seok Ko, Kenny Dougall, Sandy Walsh; Narubadin Weerawatnodom (c), Phitiwat Sookjitthammakul, Peter Zulj; Goran Causic, Thanakrit Chotmuangpak; Robert Zulj
Head coach Jackson is unable to call on two first-team players for Saturday's AFC Elite quarter-final showdown. Suphanat Mueanta is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Edu Mancha is also unavailable with a groin strain.
Shabab Al-Ahli (4-2-3-1) Hamad Al-Meqbaali; Igor Gomes, Bogdan Planic, Renan (c), Kauan Santos; Breno Lemos, Saeed Ezatolahi; Yuri Cesar, Sultan Adil, Guilherme Bala; Sardar Azmoun
Paulo Sousa is unlikely to make too many changes from the side that eased past Tractor earlier this week. The UAE side have no reported injury issues.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's showdown in Jeddah, Sousa highlighted the challenge awaiting his side.
“They are a team who have had sustained success,” Sousa said of Buriram. “In all facets of the game, in defence and attack, they will be very difficult to face.
This is one of the best teams we could face, and we have to be fully focused to take advantage of every opportunity.
We must respect everything they do and be brave both with and without the ball.”
Verdict
Buriram are a tough side to beat, and I fancy the Thai League 1 side to at least force extra-time at Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium. I have my stake on Buriram to win or draw on Saturday.
Buriram United
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Buriram United v Shabab Al-Ahli
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