Iraq vs Saudi Arabia Prediction 28.12.2024 | Gulf Cup

• Competition: Gulf Cup - Matchday 3
• Date: Saturday, 28th, December 2024
• Kickoff: 14:30 UK / 15:30 CEST
• Venue: Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium (Kuwait)

Saturday's clash at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium sees two teams battling for second place as Saudi Arabia faces Iran in matchday three of the Gulf Cup.

Saudi Arabia had no issues reaching the showpiece matches in the Gulf Cup, but they faltered when it mattered most, having lost four finals in the past seven appearances, with their most recent defeat coming in 2019 against Bahrain. The qualification cycle for the new edition of this tournament got off to a rough start for them as they fell to an agonizing 2-3 loss against Bahrain, but the Green Falcons quickly bounced back by pulling off a stunning comeback, coming from two goals down to defeat Yemen in a five-goal thriller.

The next opponents the Saudis will face are those who last stood on the winners' podium of this tournament, namely the Iraq national team, who defied expectations to defeat Oman 3-2 in a dramatic final after extra time. The Lions of Mesopotamia successfully began their title defense with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Yemen on opening day, but their chances of reaching the Gulf Cup semifinals were cast into doubt after stumbling to a 0-2 loss against Bahrain on matchday two.

Saudi Arabia vs Iraq Betting Tips: UNDER 2.5

Since Bahrain just needs a point to seal the last-four spot in the Gulf Cup as Group B winners, this means there will be a fierce battle for the remaining place that guarantees advancement from the first phase, which suggest both will take a cautious approach. While it’s true that Saudi Arabia has let in five goals over just two games, coach Herve Renard is expected to insist on greater defensive discipline from his team, aware that even a draw secures them a direct spot in the final four. Admittedly, the Green Falcons won't be too intimidated by the weekend's challenge, which is somewhat true considering that the reigning champions Iraq have been clueless in front of goal, barely netting a single goal in their first two group-stage games. Moreover, it should be noted that entertainment has been lacking in recent encounters between these rivals, as there were no more than two goals in three of the last four head-to-heads, and we expect another quiet affair, especially since the stakes are high here.