Australia vs Saudi Arabia Preview
- Date: Thursday, 14ᵗʰ November
- Kick-off time: 9:10 AM GMT
- Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne, Australia
Australia and Saudi Arabia will go toe-to-toe in the third round of Group C of the AFC World Cup Qualifiers. The two nations have the same number of points after four matchdays. A better goal difference has ensured that Australia will head into the game above Saudi Arabia. There are still six games to be played in the third round of the qualifiers so there is still plenty of scope for the table and qualification scenario to change.
Inconsistencies and mixed results have outlined the recent matches of Australia. The country has managed three victories, two draws, and a defeat in the last six games. During this period, the Australians have scored 11 goals and conceded just three. The Australian National Team will feel that it has more than enough quality in its ranks to make it out of Group C directly.
Saudi Arabia will be pretty disappointed with how the recent matches have played out. The Middle Eastern nation has accumulated a couple of victories, along with two draws and two defeats, in its last six outings. However, one positive statistic will give the supporters hope as Saudi Arabia is unbeaten in five away appearances. Herve Renard, who has taken back managerial duties following the departure of Roberto Mancini, will need to address the attacking issues with the national team, which failed to score a goal in the last two games.
Australia Team News
No injuries or fitness issues have been reported from the Australian camp so far. Coach, Tony Popovic will be delighted not to deal with any suspension issues either. The Australians will once again line in a 3-4-3 formation.
Saudi Arabia Team News
Abdulelah Al Amri, Abdulelah Al Malki, and Salem Al-Dawsari will not make the trip to Melbourne, Australia. Herve Renard will look to field the different possible options to get an idea of his strongest XI.
Australia vs Saudi Arabia Predicted Lineups
Australia Predicted Lineup (3-4-3)
Goalkeeper: Ryan
Defenders: Geria, Souttar, Burgess
Midfielders: Miller, Brattan, Irvine, Bos
Forwards: McGree, Duke, Hrustic
Saudi Arabia Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Kassar
Defenders: Hamed, Tambakti, Lajami, Kadesh
Midfielders: Alkhaibari, Asmari, Dawsari
Forwards: Yahya, Al-Buraikan, Sahafi
Australia vs Saudi Arabia H2H Record
Being a part of the same continental federation, Australia and Saudi Arabia have been frequent competitors over the years. In the last five head-to-head encounters, Australia has won two matches, Saudi Arabia has won one, and two games have ended in a draw.
| Result | Year and Competition |
| Saudi Arabia 1-0 Australia | 2022, World Cup Qualifiers |
| Australia 0-0 Saudi Arabia | 2021, World Cup Qualifiers |
| Australia 3-2 Saudi Arabia | 2017, World Cup Qualifiers |
| Saudi Arabia 2-2 Australia | 2016, World Cup Qualifiers |
| Saudi Arabia 2-3 Australia | 2014, International Friendlies |
Key Players to Watch in Australia vs Saudi Arabia
Matthew Ryan (Australia)
With the football community eager to tune into the brilliance of the Australian youth, it will be important to not forget the likes of experienced campaigners like Matthew Ryan. The 32-year-old is one of the several names in the Australian squad to be involved in European club football. Ryan is a part of the Roma side in Serie A and is the starting goalkeeper for his nation. He led his team during the 2022 FIFA World Cup as well as the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. Matthew Ryan is fourth in the list of the most appearances as the captain of the Australian National Team.
Harry Souttar (Australia)
Harry Souttar is another big name to look forward to in the Australian squad. The 26-year-old plays as a centre-back for Sheffield United on loan from Leicester City. Souttar is a suitable embodiment of the modern-day centre half. He is renowned for his ability to play out from the back and also helps in the build-up with his long ball abilities. Harry Souttar made his debut for Australia in 2022 and has been a regular feature since then.
Australia vs Saudi Arabia Prediction
There is little to separate between the two national teams as witnessed in their rankings in the group. However, Australia will bank on the home advantage and will be the slight favourites to earn the victory.
Predicted Score: Australia 3-2 Saudi Arabia
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Where to watch Australia vs Saudi Arabia Live?
| Country | Where to Watch |
| UK | Sky Sports |
| USA | ESPN |
| India | FanCode |
| Australia | Paramount+ |
| Saudi Arabia | beIN Sports |
FAQs
Q. When is Australia vs Saudi Arabia?
The Australia vs Saudi Arabia match will be played on 14ᵗʰ November at the AAMI Park, Melbourne, Australia.
Q. Where to watch Australia vs Saudi Arabia live for free?
The Australia vs Saudi Arabia match can be watched on beIN Sports.
Q. What is the predicted score in Australia vs Saudi Arabia?
Our predicted score for the upcoming Australia vs Saudi Arabia fixture is 3-2 to Australia.
Q. What is the head-to-head record for Australia vs Saudi Arabia?
The last five meetings between Australia and Saudi Arabia have ended in two victories for Australia, one victory for Saudi Arabia, and two draws with an aggregate score of 8-7.