Canada vs Qatar Predicted Lineups & Team News

Canada and Qatar both picked up a point from their opening World Cup contests and now the duo will be targeting three more with qualification for the knockout rounds a real possibility.

Which players will the managers pick though? Let’s investigate with the Canada vs Qatar predicted lineups and team news ahead of Thursday's game at BC Place in Vancouver (3pm local, 11pm BST, ITV).

Canada

Canada recovered from a goal down to salvage a 1-1 draw in their opening World Cup contest against Bosnia -Herzegovina and it was a performance which promised much more.

The Reds registered 61 per cent possession, hit nine corners and had 38 touches in the opposition box when meeting the Dragons, but Jesse Marsch’s men were unable to find a winning goal.

The search for a first World Cup win continues and Marsch may look to switch up his side in Vancouver.

Alphonso Davies is closing in on a return from injury, but Richie Laryea is expected to continue at left-back. Fellow defender Moise Bombito is a doubt, but the changes could come in attacking areas.

Cyle Larin came off the bench to score against Bosnia -Herzegovina and the Sunderland man could replace Tani Oluwaseyi alongside Jonathan David in attack.

Substitutes Ali Ahmed, Jacob Shaffelburg and Promise David all had a positive impact from the bench in Canada’s opening World Cup contest and Shaffelburg is in contention to replace Liam Millar out wide.

Ismael Kone and Stephen Eustaquio are set to continue their partnership in midfield.

Qatar

Qatar have no injury concerns and the Maroons are set to stick with their 4-3-3 formation.

Edmilson Junior and Akram Afif were responsible for much of Qatar’s good attacking work in their 1-1 draw with Switzerland, while Mahmud Abunada was excellent in goal.

Julen Lopetegui will once again be relying on his defence to keep his side in the game and Homam Elamin, who impressed at left-back, is set to continue at the back.

Ahmed Fathi could come into the midfield should Lopetegui choose to freshen up his side.

Remember you can bet on this match and check out all of the live Canada vs Qatar Odds over on betfred.com

Canada vs Qatar Key Players

Jonathan David (Canada)

Canada need to convert their chances to make progress in the World Cup and the hosts will be relying on forward Jonathan David to do the job.

The Juventus forward missed a good chance to score against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but the 26-year-old hit three efforts on goal and did look a threat when given the opportunity to run in behind the Dragons' defence.

Kone, Eustaquio and Tajon Buchanan need to provide quality service to David, but Canada’s hopes of a first-ever World Cup victory rely on their key goalscorer.

Edmilson Junior (Qatar)

Qatar recorded only 32 per cent possession in the opening World Cup draw with Switzerland, but when the Maroons had the ball, Edmilson Junior looked a capable performer.

Lopetegui will need to find a way to get the 31-year-old on the ball more often.The Al-Duhail forward played well in the AFC Champions League this season, scoring twice and assisting three goals in only eight appearances and any attacking progress is likely to come from Edmilson Junior.

For all of our coverage and betting markets for the festival of football this summer, please check out our World Cup Odds over on betfred.com