defeat to Islamic Republic of Iran in their opener means Palestine can’t afford to slip up against a UAE side who impressed in their 3-1 win over Hong Kong, China.

UAE hold the edge
UAE have not lost in their last four men’s internationals against Palestine (W2 D2) and will meet them at the AFC Asian Cup for the first time.

Leaking goals
Palestine have conceded 2.6 goals per game (18/7) in the AFC Asian Cup, more than any other side participating in the current edition, and have scored 0.3 goals per game (2/7) – only debutants Tajikistan (0/1) rank lower.

Mixed record
UAE have won four of their last seven AFC Asian Cup group stage matches (D2 L1) since 2015, as many as in previous 15 such games (D5 L6) from 1992 to 2011; they have outscored opponents 13-6 in those seven games.

History maker
Palestine’s Tamer Seyam scored with a header from free-kick against Islamic Republic of Iran last time out, which was the second ever goal for Palestine at the AFC Asian Cup, their first was also from a free-kick in 2015 scored by Jaka Ihbeisheh against Jordan.

Penalty kings
UAE have won and scored five penalties in the AFC Asian Cup since the beginning of the 2015 edition, the joint-most of any team alongside Japan (5/5); indeed, the UAE became the only team to win more than one penalty in a game in this period (two against Hong Kong, China on MD1).