Saudi Arabia vs Mexico: 2022 World Cup, Group Stage Match Preview, and Dream11 Predictions

Saudi Arabia vs Mexico squares off on the final matchday of Group C with a spot in the last 16 of the World Cup.

Saudi Arabia vs Mexico: Match Preview:

Despite following their historic upset of Argentina with a disappointing defeat by Poland in Group C, the Saudis still have their fate in their own hands as they look to reach the knockout stages for only the second time ever.

If Herve Renard's side beat Mexico, then they will be through to the round of 16 for the first time since USA 94, when they advanced from a group containing the Netherlands and Belgium before losing to Sweden.

However, a draw here will only be enough if Lionel Messi and Argentina slip-up for the second time against Poland at Stadium 974 in Doha. The Saudis will be out if both matches are drawn, while it will come down to goal difference if Saudi Arabia draw and Poland are beaten by Argentina. Saudi Arabia cannot progress if they lose again.

For Mexico, victory is essential to have any chance of making the last-16, coupled with other results going their way. After opening with a goalless draw against the Poles, they were beaten 2-0 by Argentina thanks to moments of magic from Messi and Enzo Fernandez that lit up an otherwise drab affair on Saturday night.

Team News:

Saudi Arabia:

Saudi Arabia's shock victory over Argentina means they know another win here will book their spot in the last 16.

Yasser Al-Shahrani flew home after undergoing successful jaw surgery, with Herve Renard expected to name a similar starting XI to those that played the Argentina and Poland games.

That Poland match was disappointing for the the Green Falcons as strikes from Piotr Zielinski and Robert Lewandowski downed them 2-0.

Mexico:

Mexico cannot afford to name a weakened side for their final group game as they currently sit bottom of Group C.

There could be changes up front, however, with neither Hirving Lozano nor Alexis Vega making much of an impact in the defeat to Argentina. However, whether Raul Jimenez will be trusted to lead the line in light of his recent fitness issues remains to be seen.

Andres Guardado, who became the sixth men's player to feature at five World Cups, was substituted with an injury and is a doubt for this one.

Saudi Arabia vs Mexico: Head to Head:

Mexico have been dominant in the history of this fixture, claiming four wins from the last five meetings between the sides.

Saudi Arabia are yet to taste victory against the South Americans, while the spoils have been shared on one occasion.

Mexico are winless in their last three outings, claiming one draw and losing twice since a 4-0 friendly victory over Iran on November 9.

Predicted Line-ups:

Saudi Arabia Starting 11 (4-3-3): Al-Owais; Al-Burayk, Al-Boleahi, Al-Amri, Abdulhamid; Al-Najei, Al-Malki, Kanno; Al-Buraikan, Al-Shehiri, Al Dawsari.

Bench: Nawaf Al-Abid, Al-Obood, S. Al-Dawsari, Al-Ghanam, Al-Obood, N. Al Dawsari, Babhir, Asiri, Otayf, Al-Hassan, Alaqidi, Al-Rubaie, Altambakti, Madu.

Mexico Starting 11 (3-5-2): Ochoa; Araujo, Montes, Moreno; K. Alvarez, Chavez, Herrera, E. Alvarez, Gallardo; Lozano, Vega.

Bench: Guardado, Jimenez, Antuna, Alvarado, Martin, Funes Mori, Rodriguez, Gutierrez, Romo, Pineda, Arteaga, Vasquez, Sanchez, Talavera, Cota.

KSA vs MEX: Dream11 Predictions:

Dream11 will be updated soon.

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