Asian giants Saudi Arabia will take on Yemen in the Arabian Gulf Cup on 25th December. The Saudi side will have a huge advantage when they take on Yemen at Riyadh. Currently, Saudi Arabia is the much better side as they hold the 8th rank in Asia. On the other hand, Yemen is lowly ranked 30th in Asia.
They’ve won four out of their last five clashes with Yemen, and they’ve drawn one. Saudi Arabia is eager to bounce back after a tight 2-3 loss to Bahrain in their Gulf Cup opener. Yemen, on the other hand, aims to make history by winning their first-ever Gulf Cup match. The weather in Riyadh is expected to be mild, which should make for smooth play.
Saudi Arabia vs Yemen Prediction & Betting Tip
Going into the match, all signs point to a Saudi win. A home victory seems like the smartest bet.
| Recommended Bet: | Home Win for Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|
| Reasoning: | |
| – Historical Dominance: Saudi Arabia has won 4 of the last 5 meetings against Yemen. | |
| – Team Rankings: Saudi Arabia’s Asian rank of 8th contrasts with Yemen’s 30th. | |
| – Motivation: Saudi Arabia seeks to recover from a loss and solidify their Gulf Cup performance. | |
| – Yemen’s Offense: Yemen has not scored in their last 5 matches, indicating weak offensive potential. |
Given Saudi Arabia’s b track record and higher ranking, they should capitalize on playing at home to secure victory.
Saudi Arabia vs Yemen Odds
The odds are in favor of Saudi Arabia. They are seen as firm favorites to win. The odds for a Saudi win are 1.13. For a draw, the odds stand at 6.90. If Yemen pulls off an upset, it would be a big surprise with odds of 15.08. For those betting on total goals, there’s a balanced outlook: Over 3.5 goals has odds of 2.28, and under 3.5 goals is at 2.40. As for both teams scoring, odds favor ‘No’ at 1.47 over ‘Yes’ at 2.49, which suggests low expectations for both teams to score.
Saudi Arabia vs Yemen Live Streaming
Unfortunately for Indian fans, there is no provision for Live Broadcast or Live Streaming of the Arabian Gulf Cup in India. For international viewers, there are options to watch it on Triller TV+. As for viewers in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, there are plenty of local options, such as STARZPLAY, Shahid, and Dubai Sports 1.
Saudi Arabia Team Analysis
Saudi Arabia Recent Performance
Saudi Arabia’s recent games show mixed results. They lost 2-3 to Bahrain in the Gulf Cup, which showed both their scoring strength and defensive issues. Before the Gulf Cup, they beat Trinidad and Tobago 3-1 in a friendly match. In World Cup qualifying games, they lost 2-0 to Indonesia and ended in a 0-0 draw with Australia. Overall, they are set on making a b run in the Gulf Cup and will aim to use their home advantage well.
| Saudi Arabia Last 5 Matches Summary | |
|---|---|
| Wins | 1 |
| Draws | 1 |
| Losses | 3 |
| Goals Scored | 5 |
| Goals Conceded | 6 |
| Avg. Goals Scored per Match | 1.00 |
| Avg. Goals Conceded per Match | 1.20 |
| Both Teams Scored in | 60% |
Saudi Arabia has been scoring an average of 1 goal per match, showing promise on offense. Nonetheless, they need to tighten up their defense.
Saudi Arabia Key Players
Leading Saudi Arabia’s attack is Musab Al-Juwayr, who scored in the opening Gulf Cup match against Bahrain. Alongside him, Saleh Al-Shehri also netted in the same game, proving himself a valuable player. Hervé Renard, their coach, is known for building solid defenses.
In the midfield, the return of Sami Al-Najei from a knee injury could offer extra creativity. The goalkeeping situation is unsure because Mohammed Al-Owais has a back injury. These players, backed by international experience, boost the competitive spirit of the Saudi team.
Saudi Arabia Suspensions & Injuries
Saudi Arabia faces some injury issues which could affect their strategy.
| Saudi Arabia Injuries | |
|---|---|
| Player | Injury |
| Sami Al-Najei | Knee injury |
| Mohammed Al-Owais | Back injury |
Sami Al-Najei might return from a knee injury, which would give a lift to the midfield. However, Mohammed Al-Owais’s back problem causes doubts in the goalkeeper’s role. The team must adapt and show depth if these players can’t make it.
Saudi Arabia Tactics and Formation
Saudi Arabia will likely go for a solid 4-2-3-1 formation under coach Hervé Renard. His approach combines tough defending with quick counterattacks. Expect them to use the wings to stretch Yemen’s defense, using speed in wide areas. This setup also allows for active pressing, disrupting Yemen’s attempts to build plays. They might also shift to a more direct style to break down Yemen’s defense, focusing on teamwork between seasoned and emerging players. This approach will be crucial for achieving their possession and attacking goals.
Yemen Team Analysis
Yemen Recent Performance
Yemen lost 0-1 to Iraq in their first Gulf Cup match, increasing the pressure to perform against Saudi Arabia. Their recent form highlights difficulties; they’ve had no wins in their last five games, only managing a couple of draws and some losses. Yemen hasn’t scored in recent matches, showcasing their struggle up front. Nevertheless, they are working to strengthen their defense as they prepare to face Saudi Arabia. Yemen must focus on defense and aim for opportunities to break through offensively.
| Yemen Last 5 Matches Summary | |
|---|---|
| Wins | 0 |
| Draws | 2 |
| Losses | 3 |
| Goals Scored | 2 |
| Goals Conceded | 7 |
| Avg. Goals Scored per Match | 0.40 |
| Avg. Goals Conceded per Match | 1.40 |
| Both Teams Scored in | 20% |
Yemen’s lack of goals highlights the need for a robust defense.
Yemen Key Players
Malik Al-Matri is a key figure in Yemen’s defense, offering leadership and structure. His presence, along with both professional and local talents, aims to anchor their defense against Saudi threats. The midfielders will need to manage possession and create opportunities. Counter-attacks could be Yemen’s best bet, requiring precision from their forwards. Coordination and execution of their plans are critical against a solid Saudi Arabian team. Fitness and morale, honed through practice, will be essential for closing the gap with Saudi Arabia.
Yemen Suspensions & Injuries
Yemen is free from injuries or suspensions, ensuring full squad availability.
| Yemen Injuries | |
|---|---|
| Player | Injury |
| None Reported | N/A |
Having a full squad is a huge plus, offering flexibility in tactics and team selection. Yemen will look to use their entire roster to tackle Saudi Arabia’s offensive threats and aim for their first Gulf Cup win.
Yemen Tactics and Formation
Expect Yemen to focus on defense, probably in a 4-4-1-1 setup, which aims to keep things tight at the back. Their game plan involves absorbing Saudi Arabia’s attacks and looking for opportunities to counter. They may press at times to break Saudi Arabia’s rhythm, aiming for quick breaks. Coach Noureddine Ould Ali will emphasize controlled ball handling to minimize errors. Facing Saudi Arabia’s attacking power, Yemen plans to adjust dynamically and use their resources efficiently.
Saudi Arabia vs Yemen Head-to-Head Statistics
Saudi Arabia has consistently emerged victorious in past encounters with Yemen, showing control and strategy. Their 2-0 win in the last Gulf Cup further illustrates their upper hand. Although Yemen managed a 2-2 draw in 2019, Saudi Arabia’s consistent wins highlight their tactical advantage. Given the challenges Yemen faces, Saudi Arabia is ready to use its past experiences to dominate this key group stage match.
| Saudi Arabia vs Yemen Last 5 Meetings | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Yemen vs Saudi Arabia | 0 – 2 | Gulf Cup |
| Saudi Arabia vs Yemen | 3 – 0 | World Cup |
| Yemen vs Saudi Arabia | 2 – 2 | World Cup |
| Saudi Arabia vs Yemen | 1 – 0 | Friendlies |
| Saudi Arabia vs Yemen | 1 – 0 | Gulf Cup |
Yemen will need to draw on lessons from past games to put up a competitive performance and challenge Saudi Arabia’s strategy.
Venue and Weather
This Gulf Cup match takes place in Riyadh, with a stadium known for top-notch facilities meeting international football standards. Playing at home should motivate Saudi Arabia, with the crowd backing them. The weather will be pleasant, with temperatures around 17.44°C, making conditions ideal for an intense game. A few clouds and light wind are expected, unlikely to impact play significantly. This environment allows both teams to focus on strategy and skill, ensuring a thrilling match.
