Spain vs Saudi Arabia Prediction and Betting Tips

Spain will be looking to avoid another stumble when they face Saudi Arabia at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in World Cup Group H on Sunday afternoon.

Among the pre-tournament favourites, the Spanish made a sluggish start, finding themselves on the wrong end of the biggest shock result of the opening round of fixtures.

La Roja were well below par and were left frustrated after being held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde.

However, Luis de la Fuente and his players will not be pushing the panic button just yet, as they remain masters of their own destiny heading into their final two group games.

The first of those comes against a Saudi Arabia side who also put a point on the board after drawing 1-1 with Uruguay last time out.

As such, it is pretty much as you were in this group going into the second round of matches, with all four teams sitting on a point apiece.

How the bookies view it: Spain to secure all three points

Despite their shock 0-0 draw with Cape Verde earlier this week, Spain are heavy odds-on favourites at 1-10 with bet365 to secure victory on Sunday.

Saudi Arabia, who famously defeated Argentina at the World Cup four years ago, are huge 20/1 outsiders on bet365 to stun the Spanish, while the draw is also considered unlikely at 9/1.

Head to head: Spain aiming for another success

Sunday’s clash marks just the fifth meeting between Spain and Saudi Arabia.

Spain have dominated the head-to-head, winning three of the previous four encounters and drawing the other, including a 1-0 victory at the 2006 World Cup in the group stage. That same correct score on Sunday is priced at 15/2 with bet365.

Players to watch: Yamal to make his mark?

Spain will be looking to Lamine Yamal to inspire them to a first victory at this year’s World Cup. The Spanish wonderkid is a 20/21 anytime goalscorer option with bet365, and that looks a shade of value.

Moteb Al-Harbi could have the unenviable task of man-marking Yamal on Sunday, which in turn makes the Saudi Arabia defender an attractive option in the cards market at 3/1 with bet365.

Predicted line-ups

The aforementioned Yamal, who was only fit enough for the bench on matchday one, is expected to come back into Spain’s starting XI on Sunday, with the team now needing to pick up points.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, have a clean bill of health and could name an unchanged XI after their 1-1 draw with Uruguay last time out.

Spain: Simon; Llorente, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Torres, Gavi.

Saudi Arabia: Al-Owais; Abdulhamid, Tambakti, Al-Amri, Al-Harbi; Kanno, Al-Khaibari; Abu Al-Shamat, Al-Juwayr, S Al-Dawsari; Al-Buraikan

Anything else catch the eye?

As mentioned, Spain were held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in their opening World Cup game, so this may not be as straightforward as the odds suggest.

That said, it is hard to see them dropping points again, with a Spain win and under 3.5 goals holding appeal at 20/21 with bet365.

Both sides opened with under 2.5 goals in their respective games, and a repeat could also be worth a look at 13/8 with bet365.

Spain vs Saudi Arabia Betting Tips & Predictions