Poland vs Saudi Arabia – Group Stage – Preview & Prediction | 2022 FIFA World Cup
THE FACTS
When is Poland vs Saudi Arabia on and what time does it start? Poland vs Saudi Arabia will take place on Saturday 26th November, 2022 – 13:00 (UK)
Where is Poland vs Saudi Arabia taking place? Poland vs Saudi Arabia will take place at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar
Where can I get tickets for Poland vs Saudi Arabia? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Poland vs Saudi Arabia
What channel is Poland vs Saudi Arabia on in the UK? Poland vs Saudi Arabia will be televised live on ITV
Where can I stream Poland vs Saudi Arabia in the UK? Poland vs Saudi Arabia can be streamed live on the ITV Hub
THE LOWDOWN
POLAND
- Poland may well feel quite frustrated after their opening match with Mexico, which finished goalless. The Europeans’ star man and captain, Robert Lewandowski, had a tame second-half penalty saved by Guillermo Ochoa and a fairly reactive and defensive style of football was not able to create much else clear-cut.
- Czeslaw Michniewicz went into the match without Arkadiusz Milik as The Eagles sought to focus on a more cautious approach. It could be expected, though, that Milik does come in for one of their three central midfielders in the 3-5-2 with Zielinski dropping deeper into a number ten position.
SAUDI ARABIA
- Under the management of Herve Renard, Saudi Arabia pulled off one of the greatest shocks in FIFA World Cup history. The Green Falcons came from behind to defeat one of the red-hot pre-tournament favourites, Argentina, in their opening match and they have given themselves a glorious opportunity of reaching the knockout stages.
- It was a whole-hearted and committed performance from the Saudi Arabians and that did lead to a few knocks and actually more severe injuries. Yasser Al-Shahrani will not feature, following a hefty head collision with goalkeeper, Mohammed Al Owais. Mohammed Al-Breik should replace him.
THE TEAM NEWS
POLAND
PREDICTED XI (3-4-1-2): Szczesny; Bereszyski, Glik, Kiwior; Cash, Krychowiak, Szymanski, Zalewski; Zielinski; Lewandowski, Milik
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Bereszynski (Injured), Krychowiak (Injured)
SAUDI ARABIA
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Al Owais; Abdulhamid, Al Tambakti, Al Bulaihi, Al-Breik; Al-Malki, Kanno, Al-Abed; Al-Shehri, Al-Buraikan, Al-Dawsari
UNAVAILABLE: Al-Shahrani (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- Poland have won each of the previous three international matches between these two nations
- Poland have won one and lost one of their previous two World Cup matches against AFC opposition (W 1-0 v Japan 2018 and L 2-0 v Korea Republic 2002)
- Poland have won six of their last eight international matches against AFC nations (D1 L1)
- Poland’s draw against Mexico was their first in a World Cup match since a 0-0 tie against Morocco in the group stage at Mexico 1986. They had played 12 matches without a draw since then
- Poland have now been involved in six draws at the World Cup, all of these finished 0-0
- Poland have kept a clean sheet in two successive World Cup matches for the first time since 1986. The only time they have recorded three clean sheets in a row was 1974-1978
- Kamil Glik (34y 292d) became the oldest player to play for Poland at the FIFA World Cup when he featured against Mexico in their opening match
- Saudi Arabia have won two successive World Cup matches for the second time. They previously won back-to-back games at the 1994 finals
- Saudi Arabia are aiming to win their first two matches in a World Cup final competition for the first time
- Saudi Arabia have lost their last eight World Cup matches against European opposition. Overall, their World Cup record against European nations is (W1 L9), the only victory coming against Belgium in 1994 (W 1-0)
- Saudi Arabia have not scored a goal in their last seven World Cup matches against European opposition
- Saudi Arabia have kept only one clean sheet in their previous 17 World Cup matches. The only clean sheet was in their 1-0 win against Belgium in 1994
- Against Argentina, Salem Aldawsari became the second Saudi Arabian player to score in successive World Cups after Sami Al Jaber (1994 & 1998) and successive matches (25/06/2018 & 22/11/2022) after Fuad Amin (20/06/1994 & 25/06/1994)
THE PREDICTION
The opening matches of this group have made the second round of fixtures absolutely fascinating. Saudi Arabia will seek to implement the same plan that was successful against the Argentinians with a high-line keeping Robert Lewandowski, already starved of sufficient service, further away from the goal. That should be enough to frustrate them and keep this match a low-scoring one, regardless of if the Polish do eventually edge their opponents out.
TIP: UNDER 2.5 GOALS
