Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Indonesia
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia

Indonesiavs.Saudi Arabia

sportsmole.co.uk, 17 November 2024, 14:30
Indonesia, still seeking their first win in the third round of AFC qualifying, will face Saudi Arabia, who are looking to end a three-game winless streak, on Tuesday in Group C.

The hosts are bottom of the group after five matches with just three points, while the visitors are third in the group, joint on six points with Australia and China.

Match preview

Indonesia came into the third round of AFC qualifying aiming to secure just their second-ever qualification to a FIFA World Cup, having only previously appeared in the tournament in 1938, when they were still known as the Dutch East Indies.

They have seen an influx of players declaring for the national team in recent months, many with Dutch origins, including Kevin Diks, Eliano Reijnders, and Mees Hilgers, boosting their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

However, Indonesia have still faced difficulty in their opening five Group C fixtures, losing two and drawing three, leaving them bottom of the table and three points behind fourth-placed China.

Shin Tae-yong initially drew their first three Group C games, 1-1 with Saudi Arabia, 0-0 with Australia and 2-2 with Bahrain, but they have since fallen to back-to-back defeats, 2-1 to China and 4-0 to Japan.

Now seeking their first win to bolster their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Indonesia will aim to overcome Saudi Arabia, a team they have failed to defeat in their last four encounters, with two losses and two draws.

Saudi Arabia came into this round of qualifying looking to secure their place at the World Cup for the seventh time, having previously featured in 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018 and 2022.

They made a strong start in the group, drawing 1-1 with Indonesia and defeating China 2-1, but they have since lost one and drawn two of their next three matches.

The Arabian Falcons have failed to score in all three matches since last securing a victory, a run that has led to the dismissal of former manager Roberto Mancini and the return of Herve Renard as the new boss.

Renard, who has recorded the most wins for Saudi Arabia of any foreign manager, led the team to a 0-0 draw against Australia last time out, and he will now be aiming to return the side to winning ways against struggling Indonesia on Tuesday.

Indonesia World Cup Qualifying - Asia form:

W

D

D

D

L

L

Saudi Arabia World Cup Qualifying - Asia form:

L

D

W

L

D

D

Team News

Diks made his debut for Indonesia in their 4-0 loss to Japan but was taken off before half-time due to an injury, meaning Sandy Walsh may come into the side in his place here.

Jordi Amat, the captain of the team, started from the bench and was brought on in the 76th minute of that game, but the defender could play from the beginning in this one.

Salem Al Dawsari missed Saudi Arabia's 0-0 draw with Australia due to injury and the captain is set to remain unavailable for this match, with Firas Al-Buraikan, Saleh Al-Shehri and Marwan Alsahafi likely to start in attack.

Faisal Al-Ghamdi was taken off with an injury in the 88th minute of that draw, and the midfielder could be replaced by Sultan Al-Ghannam in this one.

Indonesia possible starting lineup:

Paes; Walsh, Ridho, Idzes, Amat, Verdonk; Sayuri, Haye, Ferdinan, Struick; Oratmangoen

Saudi Arabia possible starting lineup:

Al-Kassar; Abdulhamid, Tambakti, Albulayhi, Al-Shahrani; Alsahafi, Juwayr, Al-Ghannam, Al-Dawsari, Al-Buraikan; Al-Shehri

We say: Indonesia 0-1 Saudi Arabia

Previews by email
17 November 2024
talksport.com
Emma Hayes hits out at patronising calls for her to move into men's game
Emma Hayes has spoken out on the 'patronising' calls for her to take over a men's team after a golden start to life in the US.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chinavs.Japan
China, looking to better their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, are set to take on AFC qualifying Group C leaders Japan on Tuesday afternoon.
17 November 2024
talksport.com
talkSPORT host slams idea of Harry Kane being stripped of England captaincy
Thomas Tuchel has been warned he would be making a huge 'mistake' by axing Harry Kane as England captain. There have been suggestions the striker could lose the armband under the German boss, who could begin his reign as Three Lions manager with a new captain - an idea that has been firmly cast aside by two talkSPORT hosts.
17 November 2024
talksport.com
Wayne Rooney agrees to new 'Wrexham-style' documentary on his time at Plymouth
Wayne Rooney will star in a Plymouth Argyle docuseries, according to reports.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Congovs.Uganda
Congo will host Uganda in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game at Stade Alphonse Massemba-Debat on Tuesday.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Aston Villa transfer news: Unai Emery keen to bring Spanish defender back to Premier League?
Aston Villa are reportedly open to handing a La Liga defender a chance to return to the Premier League.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Czech Republicvs.Georgia
When Czech Republic and Georgia square off on Tuesday evening, a win for either side would secure promotion to the UEFA Nations League's top tier.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
South Africavs.South Sudan
South Africa will take on South Sudan in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game at Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Argentinavs.Peru
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni will have to make at least one change to his starting side for Tuesday's 2026 World Cup qualification fixture with Peru.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Argentinavs.Peru
World champions Argentina will be bidding to return to winning ways when they welcome Peru for their latest 2026 World Cup qualification fixture on Tuesday night.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea transfer news: Benoit Badiashile wanted by Italian giants?
Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile has allegedly been identified as a potential transfer target by a European giant.
17 November 2024
talksport.com
Van Persie labels Arsenal fans 'sensitive' as he gives answer on possible return
Robin van Persie has ruled out a return to Arsenal as he believes 'that door is closed' following his switch to Manchester United in 2012.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Gibraltarvs.Moldova
Fresh from concluding their 2024-25 UEFA Nations League group-stage campaigns, Gibraltar and Moldova will meet for an international friendly on Tuesday evening.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Montenegrovs.Turkey
Needing a victory to guarantee promotion to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League, Turkey travel to the Gradski Stadion in Niksic to face already-relegated Montenegro in Tuesday's League B Group 4 finale.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Walesvs.Iceland
Still capable of finishing as high as first or as low as third, Wales conclude their UEFA Nations League group-stage campaign on Tuesday, when Iceland visit the Cardiff City Stadium in League B Group 4.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chilevs.Venezuela
Chile will be aiming to record just their second victory of their 2026 World Cup qualification section when they welcome Venezuela to Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos on Tuesday night.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Tottenham confirm major injury blow as 19-year-old undergoes hamstring surgery
Tottenham Hotspur have announced that teenage attacker Wilson Odobert has undergone surgery on a hamstring injury and will be sidelined for an unspecified amount of time.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Colombiavs.Ecuador
Colombia will be bidding to bounce back from a defeat when they continue their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign with a clash against Ecuador on Tuesday night.
17 November 2024
talksport.com
Premier League target Viktor Gyokeres gives final answer on January transfer
Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres revealed that he has no desire for a winter transfer despite the departure of Ruben Amorim to Manchester United.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Swedenvs.Azerbaijan
Having booked an immediate return to League B, Sweden can play their final UEFA Nations League group game stress-free, as they welcome Azerbaijan to Solna on Tuesday.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Hungaryvs.Germany
Germany right-back Joshua Kimmich has emerged as an injury doubt for Tuesday's UEFA Nations League showdown against Hungary in League A Group 3.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala provides major update on future amid Man City, Man United transfer talk
Jamal Musiala has suggested that a decision regarding his future is imminent, as Bayern Munich battle to sign the Germany international to a new long-term contract at Allianz Arena.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Hungaryvs.Germany
Fresh from recording the biggest-ever victory in the history of the men's UEFA Nations League, League A Group 3 winners Germany conclude the first phase away to Hungary on Tuesday evening.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Bosnia H'vinavs.Netherlands
Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman could very well make a full 11 changes to his starting lineup for Tuesday's UEFA Nations League clash with Bosnia-Herzegovina.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United staff 'hugely concerned' about new signing's 'inability to settle' in Manchester
Joshua Zirkzee's 'inability to settle in Manchester' is reportedly of huge concern to Manchester United staff, with the Netherlands international finding it difficult to make his mark since arriving over the summer.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Bosnia H'vinavs.Netherlands
Playing only for personal pride in the final round of UEFA Nations League group fixtures, the Netherlands and Bosnia-Herzegovina finish League A Group 3 on Tuesday evening in Zenica.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Englandvs.Rep. Ireland
England captain Harry Kane has admitted that he was 'shocked' to learn that he would not be in the starting side for Thursday's UEFA Nations League against Greece in Athens.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Tanzaniavs.Guinea
Tanzania will host Guinea in a high-stakes 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium on Tuesday, with both sides hoping to clinch the one remaining ticket in Group H.
17 November 2024
talksport.com
Troy Deeney: Salah isn't 'world class', I wouldn't want my kids playing like him
You'd think by now Mohamed Salah would have shut down any 'world class' debates, but Troy Deeney isn't sure.
17 November 2024
talksport.com
I coached the USMNT at World Cup - Mauricio Pochettino faces a real challenge
Mauricio Pochettino has been handed the ambitious target of reaching the World Cup quarter-finals in 2026.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Congo DRvs.Ethiopia
Congo DR will take on Ethiopia in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game at Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte on Tuesday.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Slovakiavs.Estonia
With their UEFA Nations League fate already decided, Slovakia and Estonia will wrap up their League C Group 1 commitments on Tuesday evening.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sunday's Transfer Talk Update: Victor Osimhen, Harry Amass, Illia Zabarnyi
With all eyes fixed on the January transfer market, clubs around the UK and Europe are already lining up potential mid-season moves.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sunday's Nations League predictions including England vs. Republic of Ireland
Latvia vs. Armenia (Sunday, 2.00pm) Both looking to bounce back following defeats earlier in the week, Latvia and Armenia will lock horns in League C Group 4 of the UEFA Nations League at Stadions Skonto on Sunday afternoon. The Wolves were unsuccessful on the road at North Macedonia on Thursday night, whilst Havakakan suffered a shock defeat at home to the Faroe Islands.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Ghanavs.Niger
Reeling from their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying heartbreak, a disconsolate Ghana side draw the curtains in Group F when they play host to Niger on Monday. While the home side's fate has already been sealed, the Mena journey to the Accra Sports Stadium in need of all three points as well as favourable results in the other group fixture as they make one last push for a place in Morocco.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United
Ruud van Nistelrooy is privately 'gutted' to have left Manchester United following Ruben Amorim's arrival, according to a close friend.
Show more

Top News

17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Record Women's Champions League winners Lyon Women will travel to Germany for Tuesday's quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich Women. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea's priority in the summer is said to be the purchase of a new striker, while a new winger is also expected to join the club. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Bayern Munich have reportedly decided bid for Manchester United winger Antony, who is currently on loan at Spanish side Real Betis. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal Women will travel to the Spanish capital for Tuesday's Women's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid Femenino at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano. 16 March 2025 talksport.com "It's all for these fans. They deserve everything." 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool have reportedly identified Wolfsburg defender Konstantinos Koulierakis as a replacement for Virgil van Dijk should he leave Anfield. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk In a match that could have ramifications for both the National League's chase for promotion and relegation battle, Gateshead are set to host Braintree Town at Gateshead International Stadium on Tuesday. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona fought back from two goals behind to record a stunning 4-2 victory over title rivals Atletico Madrid in Sunday night's La Liga contest at Wanda Metropolitano. 16 March 2025 talksport.com Micah Richards could not resist joining in with Newcastle hero Dan Burn's Carabao Cup final celebrations. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted that "it's hard to know" the extent of Ayden Heaven's injury at this stage of proceedings, with the centre-back set to be assessed by the club's medical stuff next week. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Eddie Howe has told Sports Mole that some of his "iconic" Newcastle United players will go on to establish themselves as club "legends" after steering the Magpies to EFL Cup glory in Sunday's final against Liverpool. 16 March 2025 talksport.com Leicester's defeat to Manchester United sees them set an unwanted Premier League record as their season goes from bad to worse. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho both ended long goalscoring droughts in Manchester United's 3-0 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Sunday night. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah suffered an unwanted personal first during the Reds' 2-1 loss to Newcastle United in the final of the 2024-25 EFL Cup at Wembley. 16 March 2025 talksport.com Mohamed Salah endured one of his most difficult afternoons in Liverpool colours during their heartbreaking Carabao Cup final defeat. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has told Sports Mole that he would rather get straight back into action next week as opposed to waiting for the international break to end following his side's gut-wrenching EFL Cup final loss to Newcastle United. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Eddie Howe's Newcastle United side wrote themselves into club history at Wembley on Sunday courtesy of a famous 2-1 triumph over Liverpool in the EFL Cup final. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven has suffered a potentially-serious injury during Sunday's Premier League clash with Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. 16 March 2025 talksport.com A bottom-half finish in the Premier League could be rewarded with a European berth. 16 March 2025 talksport.com Bruno Guimaraes was unable to control his emotions after helping Newcastle end their 70-year trophy drought. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Newcastle have won their first major domestic trophy since 1955 courtesy of a deserved 2-1 victory over a limp and lifeless Liverpool side at Wembley. 16 March 2025 talksport.com Newcastle have ended their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy with a stunning Carabao Cup final victory against Liverpool. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United have reportedly put a €70m (£59m) offer on the table for Barcelona attacker Raphinha. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has been passed fit for Sunday's Premier League clash against Leicester City, while Mason Mount is on the bench for the 20-time English champions at the King Power Stadium. 16 March 2025 talksport.com Mikel Arteta has walked out of another post-match interview, but this time he was only joking. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Six clubs are reportedly in the running for Lille forward Jonathan David, with the Canada international set to become a free transfer at the end of June. 16 March 2025 talksport.com Mathys Tel urged Tottenham fans to remain behind the team in a heated conversation with angry fans after yet another defeat. 16 March 2025 talksport.com Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney hailed Wycombe Wanderers as a 'beautiful organisation' following their rapid response to a fan who was taken ill. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United attacker Antony has suggested that he wants to complete a permanent move to a team in Spain this summer amid suggestions that Real Betis and Real Sociedad could go head-to-head for his signature. 16 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has said that he understands the frustrations of the club's supporters following Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage.