Asian powerhouses, Saudi Arabia and Australia, are set to clash on Tuesday in a must-win FIFA World Cup qualifying match for the Saudis at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. But Saudi Arabia need to win by five goals or more to win the automatic World Cup spot ahead of Australia.
Saudi Arabia are currently sitting third in Group C with 13 points from nine games, three points behind second-placed Australia. The Socceroos have a goal difference of +8, compared to Saudi Arabia’s goal difference of 0, leaving the Saudis needing at least five goals or settle for a playoff against Indonesia.
Match Odds
Prediction
Both teams played out a goalless draw in the reverse fixture in Adelaide last November, while Saudi Arabia got a 1-0 win last time Australia came visiting Jeddah back in 2022.
That said, Australia have failed to score a goal across their last three men’s internationals against Saudia Arabia (D2, L1) after scoring at least two goals in each of their previous five meetings (W4, D1).
That’s why we have our money on Saudi Arabia to win or draw.
Head-to-head Record
Saudi Arabia: 2 wins
Draws: 4
Australia: 5 wins
Form
Saudi Arabia’s last five World Cup Qualifying matches – D L W D W
Australia’s last five World Cup Qualifying matches – D D W W W