Qatar U23 vs Oman U23 - Friendlies

The Friendlies returns to the home ground on May 13, 2026, where Qatar U23 and Oman U23 will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. The left-back was taken off in the final minutes against Everton with cramp, and was not risked for the Champions League clash vs Sabah on Thursday.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the Friendlies contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. Qatar U23's recent form is difficult to quantify, but the occasion itself should bring the best out of them. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. That was the 3-2 loss to Manchester United in January of this year, which ended a 121-match run without letting in three goals.

The tactical battle could prove decisive. Qatar U23 may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Oman U23 have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. Chelsea have been encouraged to consider a surprise move for Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, with former Red Devils midfielder Quinton Fortune believing the Cameroon international could suit their style of football.

The fixture boasts genuine star quality. With M. Sabitzer topping the Friendlies scoring charts at 3 goals, the stage is set for the kind of individual brilliance that can swing a contest. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. They are still debating the merits of signing a third midfielder, a deal for Lewis Hall is going to be extremely difficult to pull off and Marcus Rashford's situation means signing an attacker isn't currently off the agenda.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. Whatever the outcome, the Friendlies fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Fulham's Antonee Robinson could be one of those, who would likely be a cheaper alternative to Hall, who has just enjoyed a breakout season with the Magpies.