Preview: Al-Duhail vs. Al Ahly - prediction, team news, lineups

Al-Duhail and Al Ahly do battle in the Club World Cup on Thursday evening looking to set up a semi-final clash with Bayern Munich.

Qatari representatives Al-Duhail were handed a bye through to this stage of the competition after Auckland City's withdrawal last month.

Match preview

Already sitting 13 points adrift of leaders Al Sadd in the Qatari Stars League, it is fair to say that Al-Duhail have not been performing as well as they would like on the domestic scene.

Nevertheless, the defending Qatari champions will still be excited about their first ever appearance as they bid to make further progress in the competition.

In comparison to the other sides left in the tournament, Sabri Lamouchi will be aware of his team's limitations, but heading into this fixture as underdogs may suit his squad.

Al-Duhail have failed to win either of their most recent two league fixtures, although they were able to get back on track with a 6-0 victory over Al Ahli in the Emir Cup on January 25.

As for Al Ahly, they return to the Club World Cup after a seven-year absence after winning the CAF Champions League in November.

That triumph was achieved with a dramatic 2-1 win against Zamalek, the decisive goal being scored by Mohamed Magdi Kafsha with four minutes remaining.

However, Al Ahly head into this contest on a 32-match undefeated streak, meaning that Pitso Mosimane will have total confidence that the Egyptian champions will reach the last four with minimal fuss.

They have been less than convincing in their most recent three league games, recording goalless draws either side of a 3-2 comeback victory over mid-table Al Mokawloon.

Al-Duhail form (all competitions): WWWLDW

Al Ahly form (all competitions): WWWDWD

Team News

Lamouchi could revert back to the team which competed in their last league fixture on January 19.

That would see former Bayern Munich and Juventus defender Medhi Benatia and Palmeiras loanee Dudu return to the starting lineup.

Michael Olunga will also expect to feature after his arrival from Japanese side Kashiwa Reysol.

Mosimane could start with the side which featured in the game at Pyramids on January 26.

Al-Duhail possible starting lineup: Moussa; Karami, Hisham, Benatia, Al-Braik; Ceara, Mohammed; Edmilson Junior, Abdulsalam, Dudu; Olunga

Al Ahly possible starting lineup: El Shenawy; Hany, Banoun, Ashraf, Maaloul; Al Sulaya, Fathi; El Shahat, Magdi Kafsha, Mohamed; Sherif

We say: Al-Duhail 1-3 Al Ahly

While Al-Duhail will be happy to be through to the last six, they may feel that they could have benefitted from a match with Auckland. Nevertheless, Al Ahly are the clear favourites to prevail on Thursday, and we expect them to live up to their billing.