Much awaited for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup Group Stage encounter, Saudi Arabia and Iraq would meet on December 28, 2024 at 14:30 local time. The Jaber Al-Ahammad International Stadium in Kuwait City will host this pivotal meeting. This collision is more important since both teams are fighting for the second position in Group B to guarantee a spot in the semifinal.
Bahrain having reserved their spot as group leaders, hence this game is a last chance for Saudi Arabia and Iraq to progress. The stakes are bigger than anything else, and supporters are looking forward to a fierce struggle between two great football teams.
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Team News: Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia arrives for this game energised by their remarkable 3-2 triumph against Yemen. Early on, falling behind by two goals, they showed their tenacity and attacking ability to turn the game around. The Green Falcons have exhibited defensive weaknesses, giving up five goals in just two games notwithstanding their victory. While major players like Mohamed Kanno and Abdullah Hamdan will be crucial for their prospects of success, Coach Hervé Renard is anticipated to make tactical changes to tighten the backline.
Saudi Arabia Results
Saudi Arabia’s recent form has been inconsistent, with a mixture of wins, losses, and one draw. Here’s a look at their last five matches:
Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
25.12.2024 | Gulf Cup | Yemen vs Saudi Arabia | 2-3 | W |
22.12.2024 | Gulf Cup | Saudi Arabia vs Bahrain | 2-3 | L |
17.12.2024 | Friendly | Saudi Arabia vs Trinidad | 3-1 | W |
19.11.2024 | World Cup Qual. | Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia | 2-0 | L |
14.11.2024 | World Cup Qual. | Australia vs Saudi Arabia | 0-0 | D |
Team News: Iraq
Following a dismal 2-0 loss to Bahrain in their previous game, Iraq has battled in their title defense. Starting the tournament with a limited 1-0 victory over Yemen, the Mesopotamian Lions have not shown much in offense, only scoring one goal in two group-stage contests. Manager Jesus Casas may opt for changes, with Amir Al-Ammari expected to strengthen the midfield. Iraq’s defense has been solid at times, but their inability to create and convert chances remains a concern.
Iraq Results
Iraq’s form has been shaky, with just two wins in their last five matches. Below is a detailed overview:
Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
25.12.2024 | Gulf Cup | Bahrain vs Iraq | 2-0 | L |
22.12.2024 | Gulf Cup | Iraq vs Yemen | 1-0 | W |
19.11.2024 | World Cup Qual. | Oman vs Iraq | 0-1 | W |
14.11.2024 | World Cup Qual. | Iraq vs Jordan | 0-0 | D |
15.10.2024 | World Cup Qual. | South Korea vs Iraq | 3-2 | L |
Saudi Arabia vs Iraq: Head-to-Head
Matches between these two sides have historically been fiercely fought, with Iraq somewhat favored in most recent events. Below is the record of their last five meetings:
Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
09.01.2023 | Gulf Cup | Saudi Arabia vs Iraq | 0-2 |
15.10.2018 | Friendly | Saudi Arabia vs Iraq | 1-1 |
28.02.2018 | Friendly | Iraq vs Saudi Arabia | 4-1 |
28.03.2017 | World Cup | Saudi Arabia vs Iraq | 1-0 |
06.09.2016 | World Cup | Iraq vs Saudi Arabia | 1-2 |
Saudi Arabia Predicted Lineup
Formation: 4-3-3
- Goalkeeper: Mohammed Al-Owais
- Defenders: Nawaf Al-Boushal , Ali Al-Bulayhi , Sultan Al-Ghannam , Hassan Tambakti
- Midfielders: Abdulelah Al-Malki , Nasser Al-Dawsari, Salem Al-Dawsari
- Forwards: Mohamed Kanno , Abdullah Radif , Musab Al-Juwayr
Iraq Predicted Lineup
Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Jalal Hassan
- Defenders: Ahmed Hasan , Zaid Tahseen , Rebin Sulaka , Mustafa Saadoon
- Midfielders: Amjad Attwan , Ibrahim Bayesh , Ali Jasim , Ahmed Yasin , Zidane Iqbal
- Forwards: Aymen Hussein
Injured and Questionable Players
A match’s result can be much influenced by the availability of the players. The players from both teams who are either injured or dubious for the game are listed here together with the type of their injuries.
Team | Player | Injury Type |
Saudi Arabia | Salem Al-Dawsari | Muscle Strain |
Saudi Arabia | Hassan Tambakti | Knee Injury |
Iraq | Ahmed Yasin | Hamstring Issue |
Iraq | Amjad Attwan | Ankle Sprain |
Monitoring the final team announcements and medical updates before the match will provide clarity on the availability of these players.
Key Points to Consider
In this high-stakes match, both sides deal with great pressure. These are some important considerations:
- Saudi Arabia’s defensive flaws are shown by their five goals dropped in two games.
- Iraq’s just one goal in their two group-stage games begs questions about their offensive capacity.
- The victory of Saudi Arabia over Yemen could offer a psychological lift.
- Iraq may get hope from their better record in head-to-head encounters.
- While Iraq’s Amir Al-Ammari could bring midfield inventiveness, Saudi players like Mohamed Kanno and Abdullah Hamdan are in strong form.
- Both sides are probably going to tweak their lineups for this pivotal game.
- This match’s loser will be kicked out, hence raising field tensions.
- Recent meetings between the two teams have turned out to be low-scoring events.
Free Tips
Your betting choices can be much improved by knowing the main elements affecting a game. Examining numbers and current performance patterns can help you find important information that could influence the result of this much awaited collision. Based on past performance and present form, these are some key pointers for the Saudi Arabia against Iraq encounter in the Arabian Gulf Cup.
- Home vs. Away Action: Performance While Iraq has shown fortitude when playing away from home, Saudi Arabia usually performs better in neutral locations. Although this game is being hosted at a neutral venue levels the playing field, Iraq’s recent away problems could provide Saudi Arabia an advantage.
- Team Stakes and Motivation: Given both sides require a victory to advance to the semifinal, this match will be highly intense. While Iraq’s defending champion status will inspire them to battle till the very last, Saudi Arabia’s comeback against Yemen implies they are psychologically ready for high-stress events.
- Player Form and Key Contributors: Saudi Arabia’s Mohamed Kanno is in excellent form, consistently creating chances and providing stability in midfield. Meanwhile, Iraq may rely heavily on Amir Al-Ammari, whose creativity could spark much-needed opportunities in attack.
- Historical Head-to-Head Trends: Iraq holds a slight edge in recent matchups, including a 2-0 victory in the last Gulf Cup encounter. However, Saudi Arabia’s ability to adapt tactically might neutralize this historical advantage in a do-or-die situation.
- Weather and Pitch Conditions: The weather in Kuwait City on match day is expected to be dry and mild, favoring teams with a strong passing game. Saudi Arabia’s quick transition play might benefit from the conditions, while Iraq’s more physical approach could face challenges.
Keeping these ideas in mind will help you make better decisions for the Saudi Arabia against Iraq match, therefore increasing your chances of spotting important betting prospects.
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Saudi Arabia vs Iraq Match Prediction
Both clubs are likely to be fiercely competitive in this game since they concentrate on defensive stability. Given Saudi Arabia’s tenacity and capacity to score under duress, odds between Saudi Arabia and Iraq point to a small edge for Saudi Arabia. Iraq’s troubles before the goal could cost them the game eventually.
Our Prediction
Saudi Arabia 1-0 Iraq
Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
Match Winner | Saudi Arabia | 2.49 |
Total Goals | Under 2.5 | 1.63 |
Both Teams to Score | No | 1.8 |
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