Qatar v Senegal predictions: Special Sarr can drag Senegal back into contention

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Qatar v Senegal in World Cup Group A on Friday.

Where to watch

BBC One, 1pm Friday

Best bet

Senegal to win and under 3.5 goals
1pt 11-10 Coral

World Cup hosts Qatar were swept aside in their opening game and they are unlikely to fare much better against Senegal, who should secure the victory they need to stay in with a chance of reaching the round of 16.

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Match preview

Qatar were utterly outclassed by Ecuador on the World Cup's opening night and it is hard to envisage anything other than another defeat for the tournament hosts when they tackle Senegal at Al Thumama.

There was uncertainty over how Qatar would perform on the global stage, but there was a general expectation that they would at least be competitive in matches against Ecuador and Senegal.

However, those illusions were shattered by the defeat to Ecuador which was far more convincing than the shot count - six to five in the South Americans' favour - might have indicated.

And the market reaction to that performance has been damning.

Qatar were no bigger than 12-5 to defeat Ecuador before Sunday's opener but they are 11-2 to beat Senegal, who are themselves under pressure following Monday's 2-0 loss to the Netherlands.

Both sides need to win to stand any chance of reaching the last 16, but the Qatari campaign is already starting to feel like a damage limitation exercise.

They broke unwanted new ground by becoming the first host nation to lost their opening game, but head coach Felix Sanchez is likely to have been more concerned by the lack of a single shot on target – a nadir which no other host nation had experienced since USA's last-16 loss to Brazil (0-1) in 1994.

Sanchez has tried to take the heat off himself and his team by insisting that first-night nerves played a part. But Qatar's loss seemed to be down to a simple lack of quality and athleticism and it could have been even more chastening had Ecuador not eased off in the second half.

Ecuador settled for doing a professional job and Senegal, aware of the vital importance of securing three points on Friday, may take a similar view.

They played some decent football against the Netherlands and although their offensive play wasn't as good after the break, there seemed little danger of either side finding a winner.

In the end the Dutch popped up with two late goals, capitalising on uncharacteristic errors from Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who was perhaps affected by the lack of playing time he has been afforded in recent months.

Senegal don't generally score lots of goals and they managed just nine in seven matches at this year's Africa Cup of Nations, where they lifted the trophy for the first time.

Sadio Mane's absence leaves a big hole in their attack and there are no indications that head coach Aliou Cisse is getting any closer to finding a suitable replacement.

However, talented winger Ismaila Sarr sparkled against the Dutch and his pace and intelligence could be key to getting the Lions of Teranga up and running.

Sarr should have an even bigger influence against Qatar and his quality can set the Senegalese up for a low-scoring success.

Key stat

Senegal have lost only five of their last 32 internationals.

Team news

Qatar
No fresh injuries have been reported.

Senegal
Abdou Diallo (muscle cramps) is fine to continue but Cheikhou Kouyate (muscle strain) has been ruled out.

Probable teams

Qatar (3-5-2) Al Sheeb; Al Rawi, Khoukhi, Hassan; Ro-Ro, Al-Haydos, Boudiaf, Hatem, Ahmed; Afif, Ali.

Senegal (4-2-3-1) E Mendy; Sabaly, Koulibaly, Cisse, Diallo; P Gueye, N Mendy; Diatta, I Gueye, Sarr; Dia.

Inside info

Qatar

Top scorer in probable team Almoez Ali
Star player Akram Afif
Penalty taker Hassan Al Haydos
Assist ace Akram Afif
Set-piece aerial threat Abdelkarim Hassan
Card magnet Abdelkarim Hassan

Senegal

Top scorer in probable team Ismaila Sarr
Star player Kalidou Koulibaly
Penalty taker Ismaila Sarr
Assist ace Ismaila Sarr
Set-piece aerial threat Kalidou Koulibaly
Card magnet Nampalys Mendy

Qatar v Senegal Bet Builder

Senegal to win Senegal played some decent football in their 2-0 loss to the Netherlands and should be far too strong for Qatar, who showed very little against Ecuador.

Under 2.5 goals Any World Cup victories for Senegal are likely to be a bit of a grind without their star striker Sadio Mane.

Ismaila Sarr to register an assist The Watford attacker was Senegal's most impressive player against the Dutch and he is the man most likely to lay on the opening goal.

Price guide 10-1