BEIRUT (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - China lost back-to-back games in the previous Asian Qualifiers window, and they hope to change their fortunes as they face Lebanon this week.

Can the visiting Chinese get back on the winning track in the fourth window, or will the Lebanese continue to frustrate the East Asian side?

Key matchup:

Arguably the most explosive matchup here will be in the backcourt between high-scoring guards Guo Ailun of China and Amir Saoud of Lebanon. Saoud, in particular has been prolific, averaging 22.0 points per game, which is good for second overall in the first round and the highest scoring clip among all FIBA Asia guards. Don't forget his "untouchable" 5.0 three-pointers per contest as well. Needless to say, he should give Guo some fits, though the Chinese floor general won't let himself be outdone so easily. The 6ft 3in (1.90m) guard has played just two Asian Qualifiers games for China, and though his numbers hardly show it, he continues to have a very big impact on the squad. Look for him to relish facing Saoud and engaging him in a veritable shootout.

X-factor:

Given China's overwhelming edge in size, Lebanon will pin their defensive and rebounding hopes on 6ft 11 (2.10m) Ater Majok. The lanky and athletic big man who plies his trade for Tsmoki-Minsk in Belarus had a slow start in the first round against India and Jordan in the first window, but he certainly picked up his game against Syria and once again versus India in the second window. He has put up 14.5 points, 10. 5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks over his last two Asian Qualifiers matches, and if his form holds true, he should give China's Yi Jianlian, Hu Jinqiu and Han Dejun a run for their money.

Lebanon outlook:

The Cedars are riding high on a four-game winning streak and have not yet dropped an Asian Qualifiers fixture at home, so they are entering this face-off with a ton of confidence. With Saoud shooting the lights out and their inside play anchored on Majok, Ali Haidar and Bassel Bawji, the Lebanese have a deep pool of talent that can match up well with China, but they'll need to be at their very best in terms of execution if they are to complete an upset against Team Dragon.

China outlook:

Much of China's chances are hinged on how fit and productive top tier talents like Guo, Yi and even the team's leading scorer - Zhou Peng - will be. They cannot underestimate this deep and spirited Lebanese quintet, especially since the Chinese will be in the Cedars' home court. Lebanon's offense is maybe the most explosive in the entire field, and if China allow themselves to fall behind big, there's almost certainly no more coming back from that. Should Guo, Yi and Zhou have strong games, though, and if their supporting cast show up, China have a legitimate chance to bring home their third road win in the Asian Qualifiers.

FIBA