Saudi Arabia look to punch ticket

Dubai - Victory in Saturday night's fixture will guarantee Juan Antonio Pizzi's men progression from Group E

After missing out in the previous two editions, Gulf heavyweights Saudi Arabia stand on the threshold of punching their ticket to the AFC Asian Cup round of 16 when they take on Lebanon.
The Green Falcons, three-time champions in 1984, 1988 and 1996, when the tournament was played here in the UAE, has failed to make the cut in 2011 and 2015.
But having warmed up with a resounding victory over DPR Korea in their tournament opener at the Rashid Stadium on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia go up against Lebanon at the Al Maktoum Stadium.
Victory in Saturday night's fixture will guarantee Juan Antonio Pizzi's men progression from Group E.
Saudi Arabia, finalists in six of their first participations in the competition, should get the job done against Lebanon.
Their attacking prowess was on view as they swamped DPR Korea 4-0 with Hatan Bahbri, Mohammed Al Fatil, captain Salem Al Dawsari and Fahad Muwallad all getting on the scoresheet.
Saudi Arabia, also runners-up thrice in 1992, 2000 and 2007, and making their 10th appearance in the competition, shouldn't expect any problems against Lebanon, who were beaten 2-0 by Qatar in their opening game.
Meanwhile, at the Sharjah Stadium, 2007 winners Iraq take on Yemen in their second game in Group D.
Iraq are second on the table behind Iran, after edging past Vietnam 3-2 at the Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi.
Yemen, meanwhile, were handed a 5-0 defeat by Iran in their opener at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.