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Saudi Arabia vs Australia Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds, Picks & Predictions

Action Continues, but AFC Automatic World Cup Bids Set

Newly Qualified Saudi Arabia Take on Reeling Australia

The automatic qualifiers for the World Cup from the AFC are all set but the action continues as the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia take on the Socceroos of Australia. Saudi Arabia have booked their place at Qatar 2022 but Australia’s route is a little more complicated.

They’ll contest a single game playoff with the third-place team in AFC Group A and, should they win, they’ll have to play the fifth-place team in CONMEBOL to qualify for a fifth straight World Cup. New look Australia are soccer betting underdogs heading into this one.

Saudi Arabia vs Australia Picks
Karim SAHIB / AFP

Let’s check the latest news, stats, injury reports, and soccer odds for Saudi Arabia vs Australia. We have plenty of predictions for you to consider.

Consecutive World Cup Berths for Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia led for most of the second half at China on Thursday but an 82nd minute penalty leveled the score at one. The Green Falcons have now won just two of their last five qualifying matches but have won their last nine home matches dating back to 2020. They came into their match with China as one-goal favorites but failed to cover for consecutive matches. They’re just 1-2-3 ATS in their last six matches and have been underwhelming to bet online recently.

Regardless, a second straight World Cup is on the horizon for Saudi Arabia as they got news of their automatic bid prior to their match. Their motivation heading into this match could certainly be questioned but this is a cohesive unit that is usually excellent on home soil. They’re still playing for bragging rights as they could finish in first in Group B with a win and an unlikely Japan loss or draw to Vietnam.

Australia’s Identity in Flux

Australia fell 2-0 to Japan on Thursday from two late Kaoru Mitoma goals. The loss ended their hopes of automatic qualification for the World Cup and they’ll need to qualify through both a continental and intercontinental playoff. The Socceroos were expected to keep things close but failed to cover the spread for a fifth time in their last six matches and have been one of the more disappointing soccer picks as of late.

Coach Graham Arnold had to shake things up with his squad due to multiple key players being ruled out through injuries and COVID. Bruno Fornaroli and Gianni Stensness made their national team debuts in the loss to Japan and could once again play a part here.

This Australia team looks nothing like the one that won their first three matches of the third round and they’ve caught unlucky breaks due to injury. Since then, they’ve won just once in six matches and have drawn vs. the likes of Oman and China.

Saudi Arabia vs Australia Head-to-Head

Saudi Arabia are winless in their last six matches vs. Australia, including a 0-0 draw in November in the Socceroos’ first home match for two years. Australia were -170 favorites coming into the match but couldn’t find a breakthrough.

Two of the last three meetings have ended in draws and Saudi Arabia’s last win in this fixture came all the way back in 1997.

Saudi Arabia vs Australia Game Information

  • Game: Saudi Arabia (20 pts, 2nd Group B) vs. Australia (15 pts, 3rd Group B)
  • Location: King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  • Day/Time: Tuesday, 2 p.m. ET
  • Live Stream:FuboTV

Saudi Arabia vs Australia Prediction

Australia are winless in their last four matches on the road and still are listed as a +105 pick’em in this match. Yes, Saudi Arabia have already qualified, but they don’t typically lose at home and are a solid pick at -135

At +150 sportsbook odds, Saudi Arabia’s moneyline is even more intriguing but carries significantly more risk. They haven’t beaten Australia in the last six meetings but this appears to be their best opportunity. The last meeting ended in a draw, and it’s listed at +210 for this one. I’d stay far away from the Socceroos at +190.

The O/U total is listed at two and it’s hard to make a case for either the over or under here. The bottom line is that Saudi Arabia have had a consistent roster and results for the most part while Australia are working in new players and dealing with a myriad of injuries. I’d take Saudi Arabia as a pick’em here.

Pick: Saudi Arabia pk (-130)

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