The race to qualify from World Cup 2022 Group C is set to go right down to the wire, as Saudi Arabia and Mexico prepare to face off in Wednesday’s clash at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
With at least one of Argentina and Poland set to drop points in their top-two battle, all four sides are still in with a shot of progressing to the last-16 stage.
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Saudi Arabia will be forced into a midfield alteration after Abdulelah Al-Malki – whose mistake led to Lewandowski’s goal – picked up his second yellow card of the tournament in the defeat to Poland, so Ali Al-Hassan or Nawaf Al-Abed could come in to deputise for Renard here.
Alternatively, Riyad Sharahili could provide a more defensive presence after returning to team training from a previous injury concern, leaving Mohammed Al-Burayk, Yasir Al-Shahrani and Salman Al-Faraj as Saudi Arabia’s three absentees.
Another goal for Al-Dawsari would see the captain draw level with Sami Al Jaber as Saudi Arabia’s highest World Cup goalscorer with three strikes, and Renard affirmed before the loss to Poland that Al-Dawsari was fit and raring to go despite a concern over his fitness.
Similarly, Mexico also have a fresh midfield concern after veteran Andres Guardado was forced off after just 42 minutes against Argentina with an apparent muscular problem, although he was quickly back in training and affirmed on Tuesday that he was fine.
Ajax’s Edson Alvarez is on standby in any case, and Martino should consider reverting to a four-man defence as his side desperately goes in search of goals here.
Such an approach could lead to a recall to the tip of the attack for Raul Jimenez, who is set to bring up his 100th cap for El Tri on Wednesday and would love nothing more than to mark it with a goal or two.
Saudi Arabia possible starting lineup:
Alowais; Abdulhamid, Al-Amri, Tambakti, Al-Ghannam; Kanno; Al-Buraikan, Al-Hassan, Al-Najei, Al-Dawsari; Al-Shehri
Mexico possible starting lineup:
Ochoa; Sanchez, Moreno, Montes, Gallardo; Herrera, Guardado, Chavez; Lozano, Jimenez, Vega
PREDICTION
We say: Saudi Arabia 1-2 Mexico
