Spain look the class act heading into this Group H clash with Saudi Arabia at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They've picked up just one point from their opener but the quality in their ranks stands out miles ahead of the opposition.
Recent results tell part of the story. Spain ground out a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in the tournament opener before beating Peru 3-1 in a friendly. Saudi Arabia also sit on one point after their 1-1 with Uruguay and have shown flashes like the 3-0 win over Puerto Rico yet looked shaky in losses too.
Both sides named unchanged squads from recent matches with no injuries or suspensions reported. Spain line up in a 4-3-3 featuring Unai Simón in goal, a back four of Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella plus midfield control from Fabián Ruiz, Rodri and Pedri. Attackers Ferrán Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal and Lamine Yamal give them real threat out wide.
Saudi Arabia counter with Nawaf Al-Aqidi or Mohammed Al-Owais between the posts, Saud Abdul Hamid, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Hassan Al-Tambakti and Moteb Al-Harbi at the back. Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat, Mohammed Kanno and Abdullah Al-Khaibari sit in midfield while Salem Al-Dawsari leads the forward line alongside Firas Al-Buraikan and Mohammed Al-Juwayr.
Head to head history favours Spain heavily with big wins like the 5-0 and 3-2 results from years back. This is only their second meeting in a World Cup though and the stakes feel higher now both teams need a result to push up the Group H table where everyone has one point after matchday one.
Lamine Yamal carries the biggest threat for Spain with his pace and creativity. Rodri and Pedri should dominate the middle too. For Saudi Arabia Salem Al-Dawsari remains the man to watch as captain and main creator.
Expect Spain to control possession and create the better chances. Saudi Arabia will sit deep and look for counters but their recent form suggests they might struggle to keep Spain out all game.
Recommended Bets
Spain win @1.45 — Stronger squad depth and attacking options from their recent 3-1 friendly result give them the edge over Saudi Arabia's mixed form.
Under 2.5 goals @1.85 — Both teams drew 0-0 or 1-1 in their World Cup openers and Spain's defensive record in recent games points to a low-scoring affair.
Spain -1 Asian handicap @1.95 — Historical dominance in head-to-head meetings and current group standings position Spain to win by more than one goal.
Odds tend to shorten closer to kickoff — lock in value now.
