Preview – Palace v Oman

The international break often encourages the cry ‘Oh Man’ from fans. Well this time it’s appropriate as that is who is visiting Selhurst for a friendly fixture with true international flavour.

Oman is officially called the Sultanate of Oman and is an Arab state in south west Asia on the south east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It sits at the mouth of the Persian Gulf.  The capital city is Muscat and the currency is Omani rial.

Managed by Frenchman Paul Le Guen, Oman arrive in South London 95th in the world rankings. The ‘Red Warriors’ they have never qualified for the World Cup Finals so it was no surprise that they failed in their latest attempt for the competition in Brazil next year. They finished 4th in a group of five teams which was won by Japan and Australia were runners up. However, they did win the Gulf Cup of Nations in 2009 after finishing as runners up in the previous two competitions.

The majority of players play in Oman which the exception of a few that play their club football in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Perhaps the most famous player for Oman is the Wigan keeper and captain, Ali Al-Habsi who has 91 caps. The most capped player in their squad currently is defender Hassan Mudhafar with 106 appearances for his country.

“Wigan keeper Ali Al-Habsi was born in Muscat, Oman in 1981. He played for Al-Midhaibi, Al-Nasr, Lyn Oslo, Bolton Wanderers before joining Wigan on loan in the 2010/11 season and ended up with a permanent deal. He has over 202 club appearances (discounting his early two clubs). He has 91 international caps for his country.”

They took on Reading at the Madjeski in the Waitrose Cup at the weekend and ran out 2-0 winners with goals from Alajmi and Albusaidi despite the home side using a decent starting eleven.

It is difficult to predict what sort of team Ian Holloway will decide to use for this one. It is likely that we will see Neil Alexander, Paddy McCarthy and Jonny Parr get a run out along with a mixture of new signings and youth players.

The match kicks off at Selhurst at 7.45pm. Only the Main Stand will be open to fans for the game and tickets can be purchased online. Adults £10. Concessions £5. Tickets can be purchased on the gate but they will be more expensive.

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