China vs Tajikistan Prediction: The Crowns Could Turn Out To Be A Surprise Package

China will welcome Tajikistan to the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium in the first round of the AFC Asian Cup.

Tajikistan, the sole newcomers in the AFC Asian Cup, aim to solidify their standing and create another historic performance, striving to qualify for the knockout stage in their debut. Positioned as outsiders in Group A, which includes Qatar, Lebanon, and their current opponent, China, they face a challenging first-time quest.

Let's have a look at the latest AFC Asian Cup predictions between China vs. Tajikistan, probable lineups, match facts and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

China

FIFA Ranking: 79th

China have a rich history in the AFC Asian Cup, but the only thing amiss has been silverware as they make their 13th appearance in this competition. In the previous edition, they finished second with six points in Group C to qualify for the knockout rounds, although they were eliminated by Iran in the quarterfinals, losing 3-0. Their most notable achievement in this competition occurred in 1984, when they finished as runners-up, experiencing a 2-0 defeat to Saudi Arabia at the National Stadium in Singapore.

The Dragon's Team come into this match with a three-match losing streak, with their most recent being a 2-1 defeat to Hong Kong in a friendly clash on January 1st, 2024. In their last eight matches, they have two wins to their name: a 2-1 away win over Thailand in the AFC World Cup Qualifiers and a 2-0 win over Vietnam at home in a friendly clash, and there's no doubt they'll fancy their chances of getting back to winning ways against newcomers Tajikistan in this upcoming encounter.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-4-2

Junling; Haofeng, Linpeng, Browning, Yang; Liangming, Xin, Shangyuan, Pu; Lei, Yuning

Tajikistan

FIFA Ranking: 106th

On the other hand, a surprise package Tajikistan will be making their first ever AFC Asian Cup appearance in history after failing to do so in six attempts. In the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, they finished in second place with 13 points in Group F, a group that was comprised of Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Japan, and Mongolia.

Tajikistan has displayed an impressive performance in all their matches leading up to this point. They are currently unbeaten in six matches (W5 D1) since a 5-1 defeat to Uzbekistan in the CAFA Nations Cup last year, a run they'll be eager to extend to seven when they take on a China side they have no fond memories of.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Yatimov; Safarov, Khanonov, Dzhuraboyev, Nazarov; Umarbayev, Juraboev; Panjshanbe, Dzhalilov, Rakhimov; Samiev

Match Facts

• China has won two of their last eight competitive matches.
• Tajikistan is currently on a five-match winning streak when playing away.
• China averages 1.3 goals per game when playing at home, and Tajikistan averages 1.7 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the most recent four encounters, China emerged victorious three times and shared one draw, while Tajikistan has yet to secure a win. The goal difference favors China at 6-0.

Expert Betting Tips

China enters this match undeterred by the away side's six-match unbeaten run, seeking to build momentum by securing their initial victory in the first round of the AFC Asian Cup.

Despite being underdogs in this one, Tajikistan will be content with getting a point in their inaugural match in the AFC Asian Cup. Having secured positive outcomes in their recent matches, contributing to a commendable performance, Petar Segrt's wards aspire to build on that foundation in this particular fixture.

Having made a name for themselves in the AFC Asian Cup but yet to clinch the trophy, China has not been in their best form lately, and this could lead to them securing an unfavorable outcome where a point is most likely the offer on the table for them at the end of the day. Therefore, we suggest backing the young, rejuvenated Tajikistan side in the double chance market to win or draw, as they have the potential to deliver a powerful performance on any given day.

• X2 for 1.83
• Full-time Result - Draw for 3.00
• Correct Score - China 1-1 Tajikistan for 5.40