Qatar looks to get back on track when they collide with Senegal in 2022 FIFA World Cup Group A action on Friday.
Qatar is coming off a tough 2-0 loss in the World Cup opener against Ecuador and the final score could have been worse. Ecuador took a 2-0 lead in the first half thanks to two goals from Enner Valencia and they dominated the entire game but took their foot off the gas in the second half of a game they could have won by more goals.
Senegal lost 2-0 against Netherlands on Monday, despite playing well and having some chances to score. In the end, a Cody Gakpo header with just over six minutes and a Davy Klaassen goal in the 99th minute were all Netherlands needed.
The player to watch in this game is Ismaïla Sarr, who has six goals and three assists in 17 English Football League Championship games with Watford this season. AccuScore gives Ismaïla Sarr a 36.2 percent chance to score against Qatar. He has 48 SCA and 7 GCA in 17 English Football League Championship games with Watford this season.
FBRef defines SCA as “the two offensive actions leading directly to a shot, such as passes, dribbles and drawing fouls.” GCA is “the two offensive actions leading directly to a goal, such as passes, dribbles and drawing fouls.” Let’s take a closer look at where the value is at in this matchup.
DafaNews Picks
Team to Win (Regular Time)
• Qatar 5.40
• Senegal 1.73
• Draw 3.70
Spread
• Qatar +0.5 (2.26)
• Senegal -0.5 (1.71)
Total
• Over 2, 2.5 (2.07)
• Under 2, 2.5 (1.83)
Key Points to Consider
Head-to-Head: This will be the first-ever meeting between these two teams.
Projected Leaders
For Qatar, Akram Afif has a 14.9 percent chance to score. He averages 2.08 shots overall per sim, 0.56 shots on goal per and 0.16 goals per sim.
For Senegal, Ismaïla Sarr has a 36.2 percent chance to net the ball. He averages 1.9 shots overall per sim, 0.78 shots on goal per and 0.45 goals per sim.
Analyst’s Pick
Senegal deserved at least a draw against Netherlands. Losing Sadio Mané because of an injury to his right knee is a desperately harsh blow, but they have enough talent to get past Qatar with no problem. Senegal just needs to capitalize on any opportunity they can create.
Senegal 1.73
Two-star (out of four) AccuScore hot trend pick on Senegal in this one. Average score in simulations is Senegal 2.21 to Qatar 0.65.
