Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia Prediction & Betting Tips (19 November)

Indonesia, who reached the knockout stages of the Asian Cup for the first time recently, are looking to confirm their progress by attempting to qualify for their first World Cup. However, the task promises to be difficult for Tim Garuda, who occupies last place in his qualifying group with only 3 points in 5 matches. Despite a promising start marked by draws against Saudi Arabia 1-1, Australia 0-0 and Bahrain 2-2 , the team hurt their chances by losing to China 2-1, an average opponent on the Asian scene, then bowing to Japan, the group's undisputed leader. Saudi Arabia, despite mixed results under Roberto Mancini, changed course by appointing Hervé Renard to lead the team and aim to qualify for the next World Cup .

After a well-controlled second round, the selection showed more difficulties, as evidenced by the draws against Indonesia and Bahrain 1-1 and 0-0 and the defeat against Japan 0-2. However, the 1-2 victory against China was a relief. Recently, an encouraging 0-0 draw in Australia confirmed their solidity, illustrated by a series of 9 unbeaten away games, a positive sign for the future.

Indonesia enters this match without some key players, including Jenner, suspended, and defenders Asnawi Mangkualam and Mees Hilgers. The absence of prolific striker Dimas Drajad, author of 6 goals in 15 caps, is also notable. Several Indonesian players now play in Europe, such as Hubner (Wolverhampton), Walsh (Mechelen) and Pattynama (Eupen), but the team's main offensive assets remain in the national championship. Midfielders Sulaeman and Vikri, having each scored 9 goals for the selection, are among the most influential players in the squad, but did not play against Japan. The list of the Saudi selection includes three notable absences: the goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais and striker Fahad Al-Muwallad, both injured for a long time, as well as midfielder Ghareeb.

However, Saud Abdulhamid, the only player playing for a major European club (Roma) and named man of the match against Australia, is present. Among the executives of the big local clubs are Salem Al-Dawsari (Al-Hilal), absent during the match against Australia, as well as Firas Al-Buraikan (Al-Ahli) and Saleh Al-Shehri. These players represent the pillars of the first selection established by Hervé Renard, back at the head of the team.