Saudi Arabia vs Algeria: Match Preview, Predictions, Team News, Lineups

Saudi Arabia is set to face Algeria in an international friendly match at the Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium on Tuesday evening. This encounter marks the conclusion of the teams’ November international break. Both teams have already secured their spots in the upcoming World Cup, directing their immediate focus toward the Arab Cup. Algeria will also be preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Match Preview

Saudi Arabia qualified for the World Cup after a goalless draw against Iraq in October. This achievement marks their third consecutive participation in the tournament, a feat they haven’t accomplished since 2006. Under the leadership of French coach Hervé Renard, the team has shown significant improvement.

In their last match, Saudi Arabia defeated the Ivory Coast 1-0, thanks to an eighth-minute goal from Waheb Saleh. The Green Falcons are currently unbeaten in their last five matches, dating back to a loss against Mexico in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-finals in June.

The team boasts a perfect record against Algeria, having previously won their only encounter 2-0 seven years ago. However, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated a tendency to fall behind early, conceding first in six of their last eight matches.

Algeria’s Road to the World Cup

On the other hand, Algeria finished their qualifying campaign with a commanding lead in Group G, surpassing Uganda by seven points. After a difficult start with a surprising 2-1 loss at home, they bounced back remarkably, winning eight out of their subsequent nine matches and accumulating 25 points in total. This makes them one of five African teams to achieve this milestone alongside Egypt, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, and Ghana.

Algeria is also enjoying a strong run, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches, with four wins including a 3-1 victory over Zimbabwe on Thursday. This friendly against Saudi Arabia provides a valuable opportunity for Algeria, who last played in June against Sweden.

Team News

• Saudi Arabia’s defender Hassan Al Tambakti will miss the game due to a foot injury.
• Waheb Saleh, who scored the winning goal against the Ivory Coast, has been involved in three goals across his last four matches.
• Algeria’s Mohamed El Amine Amoura scored his 19th goal for his country in the match against Zimbabwe.
• Aissa Mandi and Riyad Mahrez are expected to play after being unused substitutes in their last match.

Possible Lineups

Saudi Arabia

• Al-Aqidi
• Abdulhamid
• Al-Amri
• Al-Ahmed
• Boushal
• Kanno
• Al-Khaibari
• Al-Dawsari
• Mandash
• Al-Buraikan
• Saleh

Algeria

• Benbot
• Hadjam
• Chergui
• Mandi
• Belghali
• Zerrouki
• Maza
• Titraoui
• Hadj Moussa
• Mahrez
• Amoura

Match Prediction

Both teams are entering this match in high spirits, making the game unpredictable. However, Saudi Arabia’s home advantage may give them the edge, and a predicted outcome is a close 2-1 victory for the Green Falcons against Algeria.