Saudi Arabia vs Mexico: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head
Both teams enter the final group match needing a win to advance to the knockout stages.
The final round of the FIFA World Cup 2022 group stages are set to feature some exciting matches. Argentina, Poland, Saudi Arabia, or Mexico can all qualify. According to the current standings, Poland leads the table with four points. Argentina and Saudi Arabia are only three points behind them. Mexico, on the other hand, has underperformed and is last with one point.
Nonetheless, Mexico's chances of qualifying are also dependent on the outcome of Argentina's match against Poland. Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina in the biggest upset of the FIFA World Cup 2022. However, Saudi Arabia failed to perform consistently after that, dropping points against Poland.
Kickoff: 12:30 AM (IST), 7:00 PM ( GMT)
Saudi Arabia form (All Comps): W D L W L
Mexico form (All Comps): L W L D L
Players To Watch
Salem Al-Dawsari
The Saudi Arabia winger has gained international attention after scoring the game-winning goal against Argentina. However, Salem has accomplished a lot in his previous careers as well. Salem began his career with Al Hilal as a youth player. He made 207 appearances and scored 47 goals during his career.
Salem has decent World Cup stats despite having great stats on the domestic stage. At the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the winger started all three of Saudi Arabia's group-stage matches. In the group stage, Salem also scored a last-minute winner against Egypt. If Saudi Arabia needs a game-winning goal against Mexico, Salem can provide it.
Hirving Lozano
According to many, Lozano has failed to make an impact at Napoli. In 102 Serie A appearances, the Mexican winger has 23 goals and 14 assists. Lozano, along with Raul Jimenez and Jorge Ochoa, is one of Mexico's biggest stars. He is a starting XI player primarily due to his ability to get past defenders.
Lozano has made 62 appearances for Mexico and has 16 goals and 11 assists. Hirving has yet to appear at the World Cup. In six appearances for Mexico, the winger has only one goal. Lozano must step up in the absence of a key goal threat like Jimenez.
Injury and Team Updates
Saudi Arabia will make some changes to their midfield. This is due to Abdulelah Al-Maiki receiving a second yellow card in Saudi Arabia's loss to Poland.
Similarly, Mexico faces the same issue in the midfield. Andres Guardado, a veteran and vital midfielder, was forced off with an injury against Argentina. Guardado's replacement could be Ajax's Edson Alvarez.
