Poland will be treating Saudi Arabia with a lot more respect after the Green’s stunning 2-1 victory over Argentina to kick off Group C.
Remarkably, Saudi Arabia go into the second round of Group C fixtures sitting at the top of the section, while Poland are second and just ahead of Mexico on alphabetical order after they played out a goalless draw.
Poland were second best and struggled to get hold of possession against Mexico but they did have the best chance of the game when Robert Lewandowski was awarded a penalty.
The Barcelona star failed to convert from 12 yards, however, and his wait for a first World Cup goal goes on.
Saudi, meanwhile, showed incredible spirit to pick up three points in their opener after coming from a goal down to beat Argentina 2-1.
It puts Herve Renard’s side in a strong position in the group and a second successive win could be enough to send them through to the last 16.
Poland vs Saudi Arabia Betting Tips
- Poland to win and under 1.5 goals @ 5/1
- #PickYourPunt – Robert Lewandowski to score a header and Mohammed Al-Breik to receive a card @ 20/1
Team news
Defender Bartosz Bereszynski and midfielder Krystian Bielik both sustained knocks in the clash with Mexico but are reported to be ok to feature.
Head coach Czeslaw Michniewicz could shuffle things about with his formation and Juventus frontman Arkadiusz Milik might be drafted in to support Lewandowski in attack.
Saudi Arabia defender Yasser Al Shahrani flew home to undergo jaw surgery after a nasty collision with his own goalkeeper and his competition appears to be over.
Mohammed Al-Breik is the most likely candidate to come in as a replacement but boss Herve Renard is unlikely to make any further changes.
Poland to win and under 1.5 goals @ 5/1
Saudi Arabia’s performance against Argentina has to be commended, however, backing it up against Poland looks a big ask.
Poland won’t be taking anything for granted and they can’t afford to with a meeting against Argentina still to come.
But goals tend to be at a premium when Poland are involved due to their over-reliance on Lewandowski to notch.
They’ve failed to score more than one goal in each of their last five games and four of those fixtures have seen fewer than two goals scored in total.
Another low-scoring affair looks to be on the cards but Poland are fancied to edge it.
#PickYourPunt – Robert Lewandowski to score a header and Mohammed Al-Breik to receive a card @ 20/1
Lewandowski is Poland’s all-time leading goalscorer, registering 76 times in 134 appearances, and they tend to play to his strengths in the air.
Poland like to use the flanks to build their attacks and wing-backs Matty Cash and Nicola Zalewski will be attempting to supply their main man.
Saudi, particularly in the first half against Argentina, attempted to keep a tight defensive unit and there was plenty of space out wide to be exploited, which should play into Poland’s hands.
There’s value to be had in backing Lewandowski to finally break his World Cup goalscoring duck courtesy of a header.
Sticking with the theme of Poland utilising the wide channels, we’ve added in Al-Breik to receive a card in this #PickYourPunt.
Al-Breik didn’t start against Argentina but is expected to come in to replace Yasser Al Shahrani, who underwent facial surgery after clashing with goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais in their opening game.
Al Shahrani is unlikely to feature again in the competition so Al-Breik should slot in at left-back and he’ll have his hands full in trying to contain Aston Villa’s Cash.
