The Lusail Stadium will host a match between Lionel Messi-led Argentina and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday at 10:00 GMT.
After a long wait, the South Americans secured the Copa America in 2021 and will undoubtedly be looking to add to their trophy cabinet at the conclusion of this year’s World Cup. They are currently on a three-year unbeaten streak of 36 games.
Saudi Arabia may not be given a dog’s chance in this tie, but they may take advantage of that to surprise everyone. The Arabians finished first in a difficult group that included Japan and Australia in the qualifying campaign and would like to build on that with similar performances.
FORM GUIDE (LAST FIVE MATCHES)
Argentina have won their last five games without conceding a single goal. They have also not scored less than three in any of their last five matches including a win over European champions Italy. Saudi Arabia were also on a seven-game unbeaten run until losing to Croatia last Wednesday at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.
ARGENTINA
16 November 2022 UAE 0–5 Argentina Friendly
27 September 2022 Jamaica 0–3 Argentina Friendly
23 September 2022 Argentina 3–0 Honduras Friendly
5 June 2022 Argentina 5–0 Estonia Friendly
1 June 2022 Italy 0–3 Argentina Finalissima
SAUDI ARABIA
16 November 2022 Saudi Arabia 0–1 Croatia Friendly
10 November 2022 Panama 1–1 Saudi Arabia Friendly
6 November 2022 Saudi Arabia 1–0 Iceland Friendly
30 October 2022 Saudi Arabia 0–0 Honduras Friendly
26 October 2022 Saudi Arabia 1–1 Albania Friendly
HEAD TO HEAD
Argentina has had four engagements with Saudi Arabia. They have won twice and drawn twice, with none of the games taking place at a World Cup tournament. Saudi Arabia were also defeated by Argentina in the FIFA Confederations Cup in 1992.
06 Jul 1988 Argentina v Saudi Arabia 2-2 Bicentennial Gold Cup
16 Jul 1988 Argentina v Saudi Arabia 2-0 Bicentennial Gold Cup
20 Oct 1992 Saudi Arabia v Argentina 1-3 FIFA Confederations Cup
14 Nov 2012 Saudi Arabia v Argentina 0-0 International Friendly
TEAM NEWS
ARGENTINA
Mac Allister is set to make his World Cup debut following the absence of Giovani Lo Celso. The Argentines may not have a further issue with injury with already affected ones duly replaced. Captain Lionel Messi would lead the attack with Lautaro Martinez and with either Julian Alvarez or Angel Di Maria.
PREDICTED LINE-UP
(4-2-3-2): E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro , Acuna; De Paul, Mac Allister; Di Maria, Messi, Alvarez; Lautaro.
SAUDI ARABIA
Coach Hervé Renard may not have any concerns as Al-Dawsari returns from injury in time to face off against the defence of Argentina.
PREDICTED LINE-UP
(4-3-3): Al-Owais; Al-Ghanam, Al-Amri, Al-Bulaihi, Al-Shahrani; Al-Najei, Sharahili, Al-Faraj; S Al-Dawsari, Al-Buraikan, Bahebri.