2023 Asian Cup: Who will win the continent's most prestigious prize?

As the highly anticipated AFC Asian Cup kicks off on January 12, the football world's attention is once again back on the Middle East.

The tournament will take place in Qatar, just over a year after they hosted the FIFA World Cup 2022.

This year, the Maroons begin the campaign as the reigning champions, having won the trophy in 2019 after a 3-1 victory over Japan. Still, preparation for this tournament has proved tricky after manager Carlos Queiroz was replaced by Marques Lopez in November.

Host nation Qatar kicks off the tournament against Lebanon at the Lusail stadium. The remaining games will be played in Al Rayyan, Al Khor, Al Wakrah and Doha locations.

Japan is the tournament's most successful side to date, with four wins under their belt. Team Japan arrived in Doha fresh off the back of a 5-0 victory over Thailand in Tokyo. Premier League stars Wataru Endo of Liverpool, Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal and Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton have all been named in the Samurai Blue squad. Japan enters the competition as one of the favourites to win and will be looking for their fifth title.

Hot on Japan's heels is Saudi Arabia, who have won the Asian Cup three times. They will be confident of a strong tournament, having appointed Roberto Mancini as their manager in 2023. The Italian has a strong pedigree after lifting the European Championship trophy with Italy in 2021. Saudi star Salem Al Dawsari was recently named Asia's Player of the Year for 2023. The winger scored the winning goal against Argentina at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Al Dawsari is having a great season with domestic side Al Hilal, who are at the top of the Saudi Pro League.

Asian Cup Fan Ambassador Aaron Fernandes expects The Falcons to go far into the competition.

"Sau