Saudi Arabia take on South Korea in an international friendly at St. James' Park on Tuesday evening.
It is the first meeting between the two sides since October 2019, when they played out a 0-0 draw at the Baniyas Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Match preview
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The Saudi Pro League made plenty of headlines in the summer, with a number of top-level players heading over to play in Saudi Arabia, and the country are now looking to make a statement on the international scene, having recently appointed Roberto Mancini as manager.
Having won the European Championships as manager of Italy in 2021, Mancini is now tasked with turning around the Green Falcons' poor form, ahead of their first 2026 World Cup qualifier against Jordan in November.
Mancini's side have lost their last five matches in all competitions, crashing out of the Gulf Cup of Nations courtesy of a 2-1 loss against Oman back in January, following a 2-0 defeat against Iraq.
Saudi Arabia's poor form has continued into their friendly matches, losing 2-1 against Venezuela and Bolivia in March, before putting in a disappointing performance against Costa Rica at St. James' Park last time out.
In front of a crowd of less than 5000 people, the Green Falcons suffered a 3-1 defeat, recording just two shots on target in the entire match, and they will be hoping to bounce back with a victory at the home of Newcastle United on Tuesday night.
Much like their opponents, South Korea have struggled in a number of their recent friendlies, losing two and drawing three of their last five matches, following their round of 16 World Cup exit.
The Tigers of Asia have scored just one goal in their last three matches, with that coming in a disappointing 1-1 draw at home against El Salvador back in June, and they were also unable to get a win on the board against Wales last time out.
Jurgen Klinsmann's side had the majority of the possession, but they crafted very few clear-cut opportunities, recording just one shot on target in the entire match.
However, history suggests South Korea should stand a better chance on Tuesday night, considering they have won two and drawn two of their last four matches against Saudi Arabia, keeping clean sheets in all four matches.
Team News
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After the disappointing defeat against Costa Rica, Mancini may make a couple of changes, with Abdullah Al-Hamdan replacing Abdulrahman Ghareeb at right-wing, having been utilised as a substitute in the last match.
Saudi Arabia played 4-3-3 in the first game of the Mancini era, with the manager making just two substitutions in the entire match, indicating he may not tinker with his side too much, but Fahad Al-Muwallad is an option at left-wing, and could replace Salem Al-Dawsari.
Considering his South Korea side did not look impressive on the front foot against Wales, Klinsmann may alter his attack, with Hwang Hee-chan potentially replacing Cho Gue-sung, in what should be a 4-4-2 system.
Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min is likely to be Hwang's partner in attack, fresh off the back of scoring a hat-trick against Burnley in his most recent Premier League match.
Saudi Arabia possible starting lineup:
Al-Aqidi; Abdulhamid, Tambakti, Al-Bulayhi, Al-Shahrani; Kanno, Al-Khaibari, Hazazi; Ghareeb, Al-Brikan, Al-Dawsari
South Korea possible starting lineup:
Kim; Seol, Jung, Kim, Lee; Hong, Lee, Park, Hwang; Cho, Son
We say: Saudi Arabia 0-0 South Korea
Both Saudi Arabia and South Korea have not been at their best during this international break, and they have played out goalless draws in two of their last four head-to-head matches.
As such, it would not be a surprise if Tuesday's game ends as a stalemate, particularly considering South Korea lacked a cutting edge against Wales last time out.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Dominic Lund
