Saudi Arabia vs Thailand Prediction & Betting Tips (25 January)

The Saudis have regained confidence in recent months/weeks with positive results, after a huge complicated period which followed the departure of Hervé Renard from the selection. Argentina's scorers during the group stage of the last World Cup started the competition in the best possible way, bagging a victory against Oman 2-1, confirming a few days later against Kyrgyzstan 2- 0. Even if these teams are not the strongest, it's a good start for who have not won the competition since 1996. The Green and White are qualified, and remain on 7 victories in 8 matches 1 draw. Without really shining, the Thais are already qualified for the 8th finals of this Asian Cup, like 4 years ago when they paid the price.

After a victory against a timid team from Kyrgyzstan 2-0, the Thais found themselves very happy to share the points against Oman 0-0. The Asian Elephants were however cooled by Japan in preparation for the competition, with a score of 5 goals to 0. They appear well below a Saudi group which is starting to gain experience.

In this Saudi selection, we find exclusively players from the country's championship. But unlike the majority of countries involved in this Asian Cup, the local league is thriving, seeing an impressive number of European players arrive last summer. In defense, the 3 executives are players from Al-Hilal, the best team in the country, namely Al-Buhaili (49 sel), Abdulhamid (33 sel) and Al-Tambakti (28 sel). Up front, Al-Shehri is prolific with the selection (30 goals, 15 goals), and will compete with a player who impresses on the Al-Ahli side (11 goals this season), Firas Al-Buraikan. Everyone in the group, goalkeeper Al-Aqidi, and substitutes Yahya and Al-Assan are back after missing the first matches. There are few catchy names in this Thai team.

Some of the best elements evolve, or have evolved, in Japan. Thailand has deplored numerous withdrawals for this Asian Cup, starting with the Thai Messi Chanathip (injured), or the Franco-Thai full-back Tristan Do, the German-Thai central defender Manuel Bihr and the very experienced striker Teerasil Dangda (64 goals in 127 games). To make matters worse, Chaied, a double scorer in the first clash, seemed weakened after being injured during the same match. On the other hand, defensive midfielder Sarach Yooyen (76 sels, 6 goals) and the starting defender in Danish D2 Mickelson (8 sels) who was very good on his right side against Khirgizistan will be there.