Buriram United
- Buriram United are on a five-match run in all competitions (W3, D1, L1).
- Osmar Loss has led Buriram United to another Thai League title with a squad rotation policy that has maximised the freshness of his players during a busy period of fixture congestion.
- The Brazilian boss is an attacking coach that likes to press in all areas of the pitch and his side play a high-intensity style of soccer that will not be unfamiliar to Shabab Al Ahli.
Shabab Al Ahli
- Shabab Al Ahli are on a run of five matches (W4 in their last five) after a resounding 3-0 victory over Tractor in the previous round of the ACL.
- Shabab’s Portuguese coach Paulo Sousa has made his team into a smooth possession-based operation that are as comfortable in a 4-4-2 system as they are in dictating the pace of play when in possession.
- Saeed Ezatolahi has given them the perfect ‘box-to-box’ midfield presence to control the middle third while providing the pace and penetration of attacks when they break forward.
- The Dubai club come to this one with momentum after a 3-0 win over Iranian side Tractor in the round of 16 and are in a strong position in the UAE Pro League title race.
Head-to-Head
Buriram United FC will take on Shabab Al Ahli Dubai for the first time ever in this high-stakes AFC Champions League Elite quarter-final in Jeddah .
Key Players
- Saeed Ezatolahi has given them the perfect ‘box-to-box’ midfield presence to control the middle third while providing the pace and penetration of attacks when they break forward.
- Yuri César is a Brazilian ace who can score penalties with his eyes shut and provides flair and creativity in attack.
- There is a regular supply of goals from Robert Žulj.
- Supachai Chaided has also contributed to Buriram's goal tally.
- Guilherme Bissoli is the most prolific.
Betting Insights
- Backing both teams to score - Yes at 1.58 looks the best bet here as these two sides are both in good attacking form and will want to go on the front foot in the single-leg game.
- The bookies have Shabab 1.51, Buriram 4.76 and the draw 4.19, but this is likely to be a close game with either side able to nick it.
Prediction
Backing the favourites by a single goal, 2-1 , seems to fit our thoughts on the game.
