Saudi Arabia vs Oman Prediction: Tips and Best Bets Preview

The Asian Cup begins on Friday January 12th, with Nathan Joyes putting together a Saudi Arabia vs Oman prediction and tips betting preview for Group F’s opener.

With Roberto Mancini at the helm, there are expectations for Saudi Arabia to compete in the 2024 Asian Cup, while Oman are one of those who could spring a surprise.

If you’re looking to get your teeth stuck into some more international football content, why not take a look at our AFCON coverage.

Saudi Arabia vs Oman Prediction and Tips Preview

1. Saudi Arabia vs Oman Tip 1: Saudi Arabia to Win and Under 3.5 Goals
2. Saudi Arabia vs Oman Tip 2: Saleh Al Shehri to Score Anytime
3. Saudi Arabia vs Oman Tip 3: BTTS No

Also in this article:

• Saudi Arabia vs Oman Team News
• The Predicted League Table
• Saudi Arabia vs Oman Stats Preview
• How to watch Saudi Arabia vs Oman
• Safer Gambling

Saudi Arabia vs Oman Tip 1: Mancini to manifest three points

Qatar, Asian Cup, Tuesday, January 16th, 17:30 (UK)

Almost 13 months after Saudi Arabia’s historic victory over Argentina, 2023 was a turbulent year for the Middle Eastern nation.

The man who led them to the iconic victory in Qatar, Hervé Renard, stepped away from his role after a run of four consecutive defeats against Oman, Iraq, Venezuela and Bolivia.

Roberto Mancini was the man tasked with the role of bringing success to the nation, an appointment which certainly caught plenty off guard.

It wasn’t a quick fix for the Italian. Defeats to Costa Rica, South Korea and Mali followed before he registered his first victory over Pakistan in the Asia World Cup qualifiers. Since then, Saudi Arabia has kicked on with wins to nil over both Jordan and Lebanon.

A combination of youth has been brought in with experience as Mancini looks to steer Saudi Arabia in a new direction that is spiralling out of control.

Their win over Jordan showed more resilience but was dangerous with limited chances – something that will bode well in a tournament like this.

The spotlight won’t be on Oman in this one, which could be an advantage for them. And recent wins over China and UAE in friendlies bode well. However, they fell to a 1-0 defeat in their last competitive encounter to Kyrgyzstan.

A 3-0 defeat to Uzbekistan, their most competitive opponent over the last six months, doesn’t read well either.

It may be scrappy, but Mancini’s side have enough experience to grind out a result.

• Saudi Arabia vs Oman Tip 1: Saudi Arabia to Win and Under 3.5 Goals
• Best Odds: 2.20
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Saudi Arabia vs Oman Tip 2: Al Hilal’s striker to seal the points

The influx of foreigners heading over to play in the Saudi Pro League has seen several domestic players’ minutes limited.

One of those players is Saleh Al Shehri, the striker who scored the equaliser against Argentina in the Qatar World Cup.

However, Mancini has shown faith in his 30-year-old, who has opted for an experienced forward to lead the line while integrating younger players across his midfield.

The decision so far has paid off. Al Shehri scored a brace vs Pakistan in Saudi Arabia’s first World Cup qualifier before his second brace helped secure a 2-0 victory away to Jordan five days later.

The striker, who is also responsible from the penalty spot, is the ultimate fox in the box, and his ability to finish quickly without taking a touch bodes well for any goalscorer bet with his name on.

Given half a chance, the Al Hilal striker will pounce and often bury it. He’s been Saudi Arabia’s best striker for several years, and this is a massive opportunity for him to continue proving why he’s the leading man.

• Saudi Arabia vs Oman Tip 2: Saleh Al Shehri to Score Anytime
• Best Odds: 2.50
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Saudi Arabia vs Oman Tip 3: Those Italian roots

Although Mancini’s side has continued to improve in the attacking department, their 2-0 victory over Jordan showed something which has been lacking from a defensive point of view.

Despite Jordan taking the game to Saudi Arabia, they stood firm, didn’t panic, and Mohammed Al Owais deserved to come away with a clean sheet. Having not conceded in over 360 minutes, Oman will have to be at their best to break that record.

It’s worth pointing out that although these two met in 2023, Oman came out on top 2-1 in the Gulf Cup of Nations. However, Saudi Arabia’s squad was rather mixed on that occasion, and it’ll be a completely different XI that Oman will face on Tuesday.

Opening group games can often be cagey, and with Oman, a side not one to dominate against similar opponents or ones that are higher ranked, a clean sheet is very much on the table.

• Saudi Arabia vs Oman Tip 3: BTTS – No
• Best Odds: 1.75
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Saudi Arabia vs Oman Prediction odds via bet365 as at 12:00, January 10th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Saudi Arabia vs Oman Team News Preview: A youngster to keep an eye on

Despite Al-Dawsari and Saleh Al Shehri being the two popular Saudi Arabia participants within the squad, there’s a young player who has caught the eye across 2023.

Saud Abdulhamid has impressed for both club and country, and it was a no-brainer that Mancini would be calling up the playmaker for the Asian Cup. The Italian coach will be delighted there are no fresh injury concerns ahead of their opener.

The vast majority of Oman’s squad plays domestically, but keep an eye on Al-Yahmadi, who has been playing his football in Qatar since 2019.

Saudi Arabia vs Oman OPTA Stats Preview: Shehri brace, anyone?

• Saudi Arabia has kept four clean sheets in a row heading into this fixture.
• Saleh Al Shehri scored back-to-back braces in the recent Asia World Cup Qualifiers.
• Oman’s last five matches has seen BTTS – No land.
• Oman beat a much changed Saudi Arabia side last time out 2-1.
• Saudi Arabia has won three of the last five head-to-head meetings.

How To Watch

• Saudi Arabia vs Oman, Asian Cup.
• Date and Time: Tuesday, January 16th, 17:30 (UK)
• How to Watch or Stream on TV (UK): bet365

Safer Gambling

At bettingexpert, we always take a safe approach to gambling. We’ll never bet more than we can afford or chase losses. For more advice, head to our Safer Gambling hub.