Australia vs Saudi Arabia: World Cup Qualifier Prediction & Betting Tips

Australia vs Saudi Arabia: A Critical Clash in World Cup Qualification – Betting Preview & Prediction

Match Preview: A crucial World Cup qualification battle awaits on Thursday, November 14th, 2024, as Australia faces Saudi Arabia in a top-of-the-table clash in Group C. Both teams are tied with 5 points each, making this a must-win encounter in the race for automatic qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With Japan leading the group, this match could prove to be the decider in securing second place and a chance at direct qualification.

Kick-off Details:

• Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
• Kick-off Time: UK – 9:10 AM | US ET – 5:10 AM | US PT – 2:10 AM

How to Watch:

• UK: Not televised, but available via Bet365 & FIFA+
• US: Not televised, but available on FIFA+

Australia's Push for World Cup Glory:

Recent Form:
Under new head coach Tony Popovic, Australia is back on track. After a shaky start in the third round of qualifiers, they’ve secured four points from their last two games — a vital win over China and an impressive 1-1 draw away to Japan. This recent form has reignited hope for the Socceroos, and now they face one of their biggest tests yet. With a spot in the World Cup hanging in the balance, they’ll need all their focus and energy for this clash.

Team News:
Australia will be without winger Craig Goodwin, who is serving a suspension, and midfielder Riley Metcalfe, who is sidelined with an injury. Popovic will likely go with a 4-3-3 formation, with key players like Jackson Irvine and Awer Mabil expected to take on crucial roles.

Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Gauchi; Burgess, Souttar, Rowles; Miller, O'Neill, Irvine, Behich; Hrustic, Duke, McGree
Unavailable: Goodwin (Suspended), Metcalfe (Injured)

Saudi Arabia's Revival Under Renard:

Recent Form:
After a disappointing goalless draw against Bahrain, Saudi Arabia made the bold move of reappointing Hervé Renard as head coach, a decision that comes just in time for this critical World Cup qualifier. Renard famously guided Saudi Arabia to victory over Argentina in the 2022 World Cup, and his experience could be key in turning around their fortunes. Despite struggles, the Green Falcons remain a formidable side with a strong tactical foundation and a solid defensive setup.

Team News:
Saudi Arabia will likely be without key players such as captain Salman Al-Faraj, who is dealing with a knee injury. Furthermore, Al-Dawsari and Al-Malki are both confirmed absentees, but Renard will still have a squad capable of challenging Australia.

Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Al-Kassar; Hamed, Tambakti, Alawjami, Kadesh; Al-Khaibari, Alasmari, Aljuwayr; Al-Sahafi, Al-Buraikan, Yahya
Unavailable: Al-Dawsari (Injured), Al-Malki (Injured)
Questionable: Al Faraj (Injured)

Key Stats to Consider:

• Australia has lost just 1 of their last 12 World Cup qualifying matches (W8 D3).
• Australia has only lost 2 of their last 32 World Cup qualifiers played in Australia (W26 D4).
• Saudi Arabia has won 3 and drawn 2 of their last 5 World Cup qualifiers played outside of Saudi Arabia.
• Saudi Arabia has only lost 1 of their last 12 World Cup qualifying matches away from home (W6 D5).
• Australia has a strong record against Saudi Arabia in World Cup qualifiers, winning 2 and drawing 1 of the last 3 home encounters.

Australia vs Saudi Arabia Prediction:

With so much on the line, expect a tense, tactical battle in this pivotal encounter. Both teams know that a loss could severely damage their hopes of automatic qualification, so we expect a cautious, defensive approach, particularly in the early stages. Australia has the advantage of playing at home, but Saudi Arabia, under Renard's leadership, will be dangerous on the counter-attack.

Given the stakes and both teams’ strong defensive setups, this game is likely to be a closely contested affair, with few chances and possibly little separation between the two sides. A draw looks like a plausible outcome, as both teams may prioritize avoiding defeat over taking risks.

Betting Tip:
Consider betting on a draw, given the tight nature of the game and the high stakes involved. With both teams looking to avoid defeat, it’s expected to be a hard-fought encounter where scoring opportunities could be limited.