The qualifiers for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup take centre stage during November, with a host of fixtures scheduled to take place during the middle of the month.
Iran, Japan, South Korea and Australia are amongst the strongest teams in the competition, with each fancied to come out on top in their respective groups.
Pakistan’s involvement in the AFC Asian Cup ended back in June when they were beaten by Cambodia in the preliminary round.
However, there are plenty of interesting matches scheduled during November which could influence who progresses to the final tournament in China. The qualifiers also act in part as the Asian qualification for the 2022 World Cup to be held in Qatar.
We preview the some of the standout fixtures for the latest round of qualifiers for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
Iraq vs Iran
As the highest ranked team in the competition Iran were expected to win Group C at a canter, but they are not having things their own way.
A 1-0 defeat at Bahrain in their last match had left them third in their group and they will be eager to return to winning ways when they travel to face Iraq.
However, they haven’t beaten their neighbours in their last three meetings and could find it difficult to topple them this time around.
Punters using their football online slots winnings to wager on the game may well be rewarded if they back this one to finish as a draw.
Jordan vs Australia
Australia head to Jordan in their latest Group B match aiming to open up a five-point advantage at the top of the standings.
The Socceroos have beaten Kuwait, Nepal and Chinese Taipei in their first three matches and are strongly fancied to continue their winning run in Jordan.
Australia made six changes for their most recent outing against Chinese Taipei, but that didn’t stop them recording a comfortable 7-1 victory.
Graham Arnold’s side were beaten 1-0 by Jordan when the two sides last met back in January, but they are strongly fancied to gain their revenge this time around.
Kyrgyz Republic vs Japan
Japan have swept to the top of Group F courtesy of successive victories over Myanmar, Mongolia and Tajikistan.
They have been in fine form in Asia for some time now, but could face a stiff test in their next fixture against Kyrgyz Republic.
Victories over Myanmar and Mongolia have moved Kyrgyz Republic up to second in the group and they will be keen to give their qualification hopes another boost.
However, Japan have looked impressive during the qualifiers and possess the quality to pick up their fourth win in the group.
Lebanon vs South Korea
South Korea face a tricky looking trip to Lebanon as they bid to maintain their place at the top of Group H.
They comfortably won their opening two qualifying matches, but were held to a goalless draw at North Korea in their most recent outing.
The result left them level on seven points with their neighbours, one ahead of Lebanon who have won their last two matches.
Lebanon are seeded to finish second in the group and could be worth backing to take a point off South Korea.