Saudi Arabia vs Iraq Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Saudi Arabia took themselves to the top of their World Cup qualifying group last week with a convincing 3-0 win away to Thailand, putting them above Japan on goal difference and in a great position to challenge for a spot in Russia next summer.

This followed on from a 7-2 win away to Cambodia in a January friendly to make it six wins, two draws, and just one defeat in their last nine outings. In fact, they have lost just once in their last 18 games.

At home things get even better for the World Cup hopefuls. They are unbeaten in ten matches on home soil and have won eight of them, only failing against Australia and Slovenia. During this period they have scored 26 goals and conceded six at the other end.

This won’t come as good news to Iraq. The visitors managed a 1-1 draw at home to Australia on Thursday, following on from an impressive 1-0 win away to Iran last weekend. However, they have only won two of their last 11 matches in all competitions and have lost six of them.

This leaves them in a disappointing 5th position in their World Cup qualifying group. They are already nine points adrift of the top two with just 12 points left to play for, and their hopes of progressing look all but over right now.

Away from home Iraq have won one, drawn one, and lost five of their last seven outings, conceding at least two goals in all five of these defeats. Saudi Arabia have netted two or more in eight of their last ten at home too, so backing Saudi Arabia Over 1.5 Team Goals at 5/6 looks a good choice along with a 2-0 correct score predictions at 11/2.