Saudi Arabia vs Kuwait - Gulf Cup of Nations

The history between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait lends this Gulf Cup of Nations fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on September 23, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

Form and standings can only tell part of the story when Saudi Arabia and Kuwait cross paths in the Gulf Cup of Nations, and pride alone should guarantee a contest. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. Kuwait will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. In terms of net spend, Liverpool topped the table with £219.4m, followed by Ipswich (£190.7m), Spurs (£176m) and Hull (£160.5m).

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Saudi Arabia will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Kuwait will back themselves to cause problems on the break. There is interest in adding another forward player who can play in one of those wide No 10 roles behind the striker in the 3-4-2-1 formation that Sage is expected to continue with at Selhurst Park.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. He stood out as a midfielder with Premier League suitability - and City are huge admirers.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 1-1. With positions in the Gulf Cup of Nations table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. And Fonseca does not place too much weight on the decision of Roberto Martinez to omit him from the World Cup squad in favour of his Benfica team-mate Tomas Araujo.