UAE go head-to-head with Kuwait at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in a Gulf Cup Group Stage contest on Tuesday, 24 December. Read our latest football predictions for the clash below.
Contents
- 1 UAE vs Kuwait prediction: UAE could have the edge
- 2 Pre-game odds and win probability: UAE the more attractive prospect
- 3 Most recent H2Hs: Low-scoring bouts have been commons
- 4 UAE preview: Several foreign-born players to watch out for
- 5 Kuwait preview: Low-scoring squad
- 6 Player to watch – Fabio Lima
UAE vs Kuwait prediction: UAE could have the edge
Key Stats
- UAE have lost only one of their last 11 international fixtures.
- UAW beat Kuwait 1-0 when the teams last met in October 2023.
- Four of Kuwait’s last five games have featured under 2.5 goals.
- Yaha Al Ghassani has scored three goals in his last five appearances for UAE.
Correct score prediction: UAE 1-0 Kuwait
UAE, who have lost only once in 11 assignments in all competitions, dug out a 1-0 win over Kuwait when the nations last locked horns in October 2023 and a similar outcome could be worth backing for Tuesday’s rematch.
Pre-game odds and win probability: UAE the more attractive prospect
- HOME: TBC
- DRAW: TBC
- AWAY: TBC
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
UAE were held to a 1-1 draw in their Group Stage opener by Qatar on Saturday, though they came from behind to claim a share of the spoils and showed a decent amount of spirit to mount their comeback.
Kuwait meanwhile, drew 1-1 with Oman the same day, though they have now gone ten games without tasting victory overall and that run could continue here. Check out our latest football tips page for more international predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Low-scoring bouts have been commons
Four of the last five meetings between UAE and Kuwait have featured under 2.5 goals, so don’t expect a goal bonanza when these sides collide on Tuesday.
International Match 12/10/23
United Arab Emirates
Kuwait
Gulf Cup 10/01/23
United Arab Emirates
Kuwait
International Match 28/12/18
United Arab Emirates
Kuwait
Gulf Cup 28/12/17
Kuwait
United Arab Emirates
Gulf Cup 17/11/14
United Arab Emirates
Kuwait
UAE preview: Several foreign-born players to watch out for
UAE are managed by Portuguese coach Paul Bento and tend to be deployed in a 4-2-3-1 formation. UAE have a number of foreign-born players in their ranks including Caio Canedo, Fabio Lima, Bruno Conceicao, Mackenzie Hunt and Marcus Meloni.
Predicted lineup: Eissa (GK), Ebraheim, Al Hammadi, Kouadio, Meloni, Faiz, Nader, Abdalla, Lima, Al Gahassani, Conceicao
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 25/03/25
W
North Korea
1
United Arab Emirates
2
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 20/03/25
L
Iran
2
United Arab Emirates
0
Gulf Cup 27/12/24
D
Oman
1
United Arab Emirates
1
Gulf Cup 24/12/24
L
Kuwait
2
United Arab Emirates
1
Gulf Cup 21/12/24
D
Qatar
1
United Arab Emirates
1
Kuwait preview: Low-scoring squad
Kuwait's Head Coach Pizzi, who hails from Spain, masterminded a 1-1 draw against Oman in his team's Gulf Cup opener at the weekend. In a low-scoring squad, striker Yousef Nasser, who has 52 goals in 117 international appearances, looks like the chief threat for Kuwait.
Predicted lineup: Al Rashidi (GK), Al Hajeri, Hamdan, Hajiah, M. Al Enezi, Hani, S. Al Enezi, Al Rashedi, Al Dhefiri, Daham, Al Sulaiman
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 25/03/25
L
Oman
1
Kuwait
0
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 20/03/25
D
Iraq
2
Kuwait
2
Gulf Cup 31/12/24
L
Bahrain
1
Kuwait
0
Gulf Cup 27/12/24
D
Qatar
1
Kuwait
1
Gulf Cup 24/12/24
W
United Arab Emirates
1
Kuwait
2
Player to watch – Fabio Lima
Brazilian-born attacker Fabio Lima has scored 16 goals in 34 appearances for UAE since making his debut for his adopted country in 2021.
Lima can make the difference
Fabio Lima is something of an iconic figure in the UAE Pro League where he turns out for Al Wasl. The 31-year-old has scored over 160 times in that division and he can be just as impactful in the Gulf Cup.