Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia Predicted Lineups & Team News

The forgiving format of the World Cup means that despite failing to win either of their opening two matches in North America, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia can still qualify for the knockout rounds.

A draw may be enough for the Blue Sharks to progress, but Saudi Arabia know that three points are a must in Houston. Which players will the managers pick though? Let’s investigate with the team news, key players and Predicted Lineups ahead of Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia.

Cape Verde

Excellent draws against Spain and Uruguay have left Cape Verde on the brink of qualification for the knockout rounds of the World Cup.

The Blue Sharks may only need a draw against Saudi Arabia in Houston to progress to the round of 32 and a victory would certainly see the islanders through.

It has been a fantastic effort from Bubista's men, who served up one of the games of the tournament when sharing the spoils in a 2-2 draw with Uruguay.

Sidny Lopes Cabral is suspended, while Telmo Arcanjo and Borges Cabral are injury doubts, with Cape Verde expected to deploy a 4-3-3 formation.

Gilson Benchimol is likely to lead the line, with Ryan Mendes and Garry Rodrigues offering support from wide positions and Deroy Duarte could deputise for Arcanjo in midfield, should the 25-year-old fail to recover in time.

Saudi Arabia

A 1-1 draw with Uruguay and a 4-0 loss against Spain has left Saudi Arabia needing to beat Cape Verde to progress to the knockout stage of the World Cup.

The Green Falcons have opted for a low block in a 5-4-1 formation in their two matches in North America and, while that system is unlikely to change here, Georgios Donis' men will have to push forward given their standing in Group H.

Captain Salem Al-Dawsari is the chief attacking threat from the left-hand side of the attack, while Firas Al Buraikan is expected to start alone up front.

Nasser Al-Dawsari will provide the engine in midfield and Saud Abdulhamid is a good option at right-back.

Saudi Arabia produced a stubborn defensive performance in their 1-1 draw with Uruguay, but the Green Falcons now need to show they can attack Cape Verde to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia Key Players

Kevin Pina (Cape Verde)

Kevin Pina found the net from a long-range free-kick in Cape Verde's 2-2 draw with Uruguay, while also offering excellent protection to the Blue Sharks' defence from the midfield area.

The anchor man made six defensive contributions, while also completing 21 of 25 passes and Pina will be key to setting the tempo and getting Cape Verde up the pitch against Saudi Arabia.

Salem Al-Dawsari (Saudi Arabia)

Salem Al-Dawsari has one last chance to have a positive impact on Saudi Arabia at the World Cup and the 34-year-old wide forward will be key to the chances of the Green Falcons.

The Al-Hilal man will be the key creative and goalscoring threat and Al-Dawsari is the one player in the Saudi squad with genuine quality.

The Saudis will turn to their captain in their time of need and Al-Dawsari will need to answer the call if his side are to progress.

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