Australia vs Saudi Arabia Preview: Team News & Prediction

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Second-placed Australia face third-placed Saudi Arabia in what is a massive Group C encounter with both nations locked on 5 points each.

Kick-off date/time: Thursday November 14th 2024: UK – 9:10am / US ET – 5:10am / US PT – 2:10am

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – Bet365 & FIFA+ / US – FIFA+

Australia Preview: Four points from their last two under Popovic

After a terrible start to the third round, Australia desperately needing reviving and new head coach Tony Popovic has provided the team with that much-needed boost. A win over China was followed up by an excellent 1-1 draw away to Japan, ending their 100% Group C record in the process. But this game represents their most important one yet.

Saudi Arabia Preview: Renard’s grand return comes at pivotal time

Dropping another two points following a disappointing goalless draw at home to Bahrain proved to be the end for Roberto Mancini, who was sacked as Saudi Arabia head coach. In an attempt to save their qualification campaign with a World Cup place still within reach, Herve Renard has been reappointed as head coach. Renard is of course in charge during the 2022 World Cup when Saudi Arabia famously beat eventual champions Argentina in the group stage.

Australia Team News: Goodwin out through suspension, Metcalfe injured

PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Gauchi; Burgess, Souttar, Rowles; Miller, O’Neill, Irvine, Behich; Hrustic, Duke, McGree

UNAVAILABLE: Goodwin (Suspended), Metcalfe (Injured)

QUESTIONABLE:

Saudi Arabia Team News: Knee injury could rule out captain Al Faraj, whilst Al-Dawsari & Al-Malki are both confirmed absentees

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

Australia have lost only one of their last 12 World Cup qualifying matches (W8 D3).
Australia have lost only two of their last 32 World Cup qualifying matches in Australia (W26 D4).
Australia have lost only two of their last 17 international matches (W12 D3).
Australia have won two and drawn one of their previous three World Cup qualifying matches at home against Saudi Arabia.
Australia have lost only one of the previous six World Cup qualifying matches between these two teams (W3 D2). However, the most recent encounter was a 1-0 victory for Saudi Arabia in Jeddah in March 2022.
Saudi Arabia have lost only three of their last 29 World Cup qualifying matches (W19 D7).
Saudi Arabia have won three and drawn two of their last five World Cup qualifying matches outside of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia have lost only one of their last 12 World Cup qualifying matches outside of Saudi Arabia (W6 D5).

Australia vs Saudi Arabia Prediction

With the stakes extremely high in the race to claim what is likely to be the only automatic World Cup qualification slot available in Group C when considering the form of table toppers Japan, it would be no surprise if this proved to be a cagey encounter between two teams who simply cannot afford defeat.

Both will likely prioritise defensive stability and bodies behind the ball when out of possession, making themselves as difficult as possible to break down. With that in mind, chances may well be hard to come by on either side and it would be no surprise if Australia and Saudi Arabia cannot be separated, so it’s well worth backing the draw.

Australia vs Saudi Arabia Tip: Draw