Poland vs Saudi Arabia

Poland and Saudi Arabia go head-to-head at the Education City Stadium in their second match of the 2022 World Cup on Saturday 26th November and it is Saudi Arabia who lead the group following their surprise 2-1 win against Argentina on Tuesday.

Along with these two teams, Group C features Mexico and two-time World Cup winners Argentina making it one of the most competitive groups in this year’s tournament.

Poland saw out a goalless draw earlier in the week against Mexico and with a daunting fixture against Argentina lined up for next week, this is a much-win game for them.

Poland will be hoping to have a better time at this year’s World Cup than they did in the European Championships where they were eliminated at the group stage, finishing bottom with just a single point picked up from their three games played.

Poland are quite strong favourites in this match but confidence will be sky high within the Saudi Arabia squad after they impressively came back from 1-0 down against Argentina to win the match 2-1.

Saudia Arabia have shown their determination in this competition and they’ll surely give Poland a game on Saturday.

I wouldn’t be backing Poland at odds of less than 8/10 and the draw at 11/4 appeals to me more.

I can’t see many goals in this game and as I’ve backed a draw, I think 1-1 is the most likely outcome. Bet365 are offering the best price currently at 13/2.

This isn’t a market that I’d be betting on. With Poland being relatively solid, 0-0 or 1-0 to either side wouldn’t be out of the question.

Robert Lewandowski will always be the shortest odds for first goalscorer when he’s on the pitch. The Bayern Munich striker has bagged 35 goals in 34 appearances domestically this season and another 9 goals in 9 games for his country. He has the experience and the ability to face the best players in the world and if in form, he should find the net in this tournament.. However, at odds of 7/2, there’s just no value in backing him.

Instead, I’d take a chance on Saudi Arabia’s Piotr Zielinski who is a more attractive price of 11/1. The Napoli midfielder scored in his last two games for his club and although in qualifying for the World Cup.

I can’t see either side running away with the game and so Draw/Draw would be my selection in the HT/FT market which is priced at 9/2.

Rather than back a player to be carded, I’d rather go with Under 3.5 cards. I’d even consider Under 2.5 cards but it is a more risky selection.

Poland expected starting lineup:
Szczesny; Zalewski, Kiwior, Glik, Bednarek, Cash; Szymanski, Krychowiak, Zielinski; Lewandowski, Milik

Saudi Arabia expected starting lineup:
Al-Owais; Al-Burayk, Al-Boleahi, Al Tambakti, Abdulhamid; Al Malki, Kanno, Al-Abed; Al Dawsari, Al-Shehiri, Al Buraikan