Saudi Arabia vs Mali Prediction: The Eagles won’t be vulnerable at the back

On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia will lock horns with Mali at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão Stadium. The Greens ended their five-game losing streak when they shared the spoils against Nigeria a few days ago, while the Eagles extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to three.

FIFA Ranking: 57th

Last five games: LLLLD

For the first time in seven games, the Green Falcons secured a point, ending their six-winless streak. After the (1-0) loss against South Korea, Saudi Arabia scored in the 99th minute to split points against Nigeria. Even though they benefited from a goalkeeper error and a deflected free kick, they did deserve a point following the way their opponent played.

Since returning from the World Cup last year, Saudi Arabia have struggled to win games, recording just a victory in their previous eight games in all competitions. Following their poor run, the association appointed former Italian tactician Roberto Mancini to guide them to glory. However, the famous gaffer has lost twice and drawn once since his arrival.

FIFA World ranking: 49th

Last five games: WLWWW

The Eagles have been up and running since the appointment of Eric Chelle, with one defeat in the last ten games. Eric Chelle qualified his side for the AFCON tournament, having picked up fifteen points from a possible eighteen.

More recently, they obtained the maximum points against Mali on their own turf. The Eagles are a free-flowing team and have shared goals between themselves in recent games. Midfielder Doumbia and Ibrahim Kone are the major threats for the Cranes, with five goals between them in the AFCON Qualifier.

Their recent meeting was a friendly matchup in 2019, where both teams settled for a share of the spoils. The Eagles have some serious players in their squad, and considering their form of late; we expect them to see off a Saudi Arabia team. Mali will feature Traore, Ibrahim Kone, and Doumbia again up front, while Bissouma will anchor the midfield. For Saudi Arabia, captain Fahad Al Muwallad will partner with Firas and Al Hamadan in attack, while Hazazi and Alkhaibari will provide support from the midfield.

Mali needed a penalty to penetrate Uganda's defence, while Saudi Arabia benefited from defensive errors to secure a point against Nigeria. Mali won’t be as vulnerable as Nigeria were against Saudi Arabia, and we think it’ll be difficult for the Greens to penetrate. I believe Saudi Arabia's defence are poorly put, and we think Mali will strike first here for 1.71.

A win for the Eagles for 2.13 might be worth the risk.

We expect both sides to settle for a halftime draw for 1.94.

Good luck!