Saudi Arabia vs Egypt FIFA World Cup 2018 – Lineups, Predictions & Stats Preview 25 June 2018

Both Saudi Arabia and Egypt have endured a difficult World Cup so far. Egypt have suffered through the physical issues of their talisman Mohamed Salah, whilst Saudi Arabia have not performed as they would have hoped. This match represents an opportunity for one of them to leave Russia on a high.

Saudi Arabia Probable Lineups and Stats

Saudi Arabia’s performance in their 5-0 defeat against Russia was widely condemned. They fell away alarmingly and offered little threat. Coach Juan Antonio Pizzi made four changes for the Uruguay game, bringing in goalkeeper Mohammed al-Owais, defender Ali al-Buleihi, midfielder Hattan Bahabri and striker Fahad al-Muwallad. This invoked a livelier performance, particularly in the first half, but an error from al-Owais at a corner saw them concede a crucial goal which they lacked the know-how to cancel out. They will be playing for pride against Egypt, which may deter Pizzi from making any further changes.

The Saudis have enjoyed the majority of possession in both games, 59% against Russia and 52% against Uruguay. They managed 6 goal attempts, with none on target, in the first game and 7, with 2 on target, in the second, which emphasises their lack of effectiveness. They have incurred just one yellow card.

Egypt Probable Lineups and Stats

Egypt’s campaign has been overshadowed by the saga of Salah’s shoulder injury. He missed the first game against Uruguay, which they lost to a late goal following a solid defensive effort, but played the entire game against Russia, when victory was imperative. Unfortunately, Salah looked well short of 100% fitness, despite scoring Egypt’s only goal from the penalty spot, and a disastrous 15 minute spell of defending sealed their fate. As Salah scores the vast majority of Egypt’s goals, the big question, with qualification impossible, is whether he will be risked against the Saudis if he is not fit.

Egypt were on the defensive against Uruguay, with 43% possession, but this increased to 54% as they pressed against Russia. They had 8 shots, 3 on target in the first game, rising to 13, with only one on target in the second. Their single yellow card came against Russia.

Saudi Arabia v Egypt – Head to Head

These teams have not met since 2007. Historically, Egypt have dominated, with 4 wins and a draw from 6 meetings, and will be marginally favoured for this encounter. A high-scoring game seems unlikely, given that the teams have managed a combined total of 6 shots on target in two games. If Salah does not play, a goalless draw would not be a shock, but if he is fit enough he may just edge it for Egypt.

Expert Tip

Both Egypt and Saudi Arabia have nothing but their pride and honour to play for and so far this will be the most unpredictable game. Our first tip is that both teams will not win many corners as they will not play with full desire so below 9.5 corners and under 3.5 cards seem quite reasonable bets. For more risky bets, you may consider betting on a draw at full-time.

Interesting Facts and Information

  • Egypt haven’t won in their last 8 games.
  • Egypt have lost 3 games in a row.
  • Saudi Arabia have lost 5 games in a row.
  • Saudi Arabia wins 1st half in 25% of their games, Egypt in 9% of their games.
  • Both teams lost their last game.
  • Egypt’s recent performance is better than Saudi Arabia’s.
  • In World Cup, Egypt has better performance than Saudi Arabia.
  • Saudi Arabia scores 1.62 goals when playing at home and Egypt scores 0.57 goals when playing away (on average).
  • Saudi Arabia has a streak of 2 games with 0 scored goals.
  • When Saudi Arabia leads 1-0 at home, they win in 100% of their games.
  • When Egypt leads 0-1 away, they win in 0% of their games.
  • When Saudi Arabia is down 0-1 home, they win 0% of their games.
  • When Egypt is down 1-0 away, they win 0% of their games.
  • Saudi Arabia have conceded a goal in each of their last 5 games.

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