Saudi Arabia vs South Korea Prediction: Tips and Best Bets Preview

The Asian Cup knockout rounds are in full flow, and Nathan Joyes provides his Saudi Arabia vs South Korea prediction, tips and best bets preview. Jurgen Klinnsman’s team failed to finish top of their group despite scoring eight goals, whilst Roberto Mancini’s well-drilled side only conceded via a penalty vs Oman.

Not only that, but Nathan has put together an Asian Cup Outright article looking at his three fancies to win the tournament.

Saudi Arabia vs South Korea Prediction and Tips Preview

1. Saudi Arabia vs South Korea Tip 1: BTTS – Yes
2. Saudi Arabia vs South Korea Tip 2: Second Half Most Goals
3. Saudi Arabia vs South Korea Tip 3: Goal after 75:59

In this article:

• Saudi Arabia vs South Korea Team News
• Saudi Arabia vs South Korea Stats Preview
• How to watch Saudi Arabia vs South Korea
• Safer Gambling

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Saudi Arabia vs South Korea Tip 1: Two attacking nations to saviour

Qatar, Asian Cup, Tuesday, January 30th, 16:00 (UK)

Arguably, the tie of the round, one of these unbeaten sides will be packing their bags earlier than anticipated due to the nature of the draw. South Korea were unable to finish top of their group after a frenetic 3-3 draw with Malaysia and will, therefore, face a tough opponent in Saudi Arabia.

Their match versus Malaysia was yet another game which saw South Korea unable to keep a clean sheet. Having now conceded six goals across their three matches. This is a rather concerning statistic for the tournament’s second favourites.

However, at the other end of the pitch, scoring hasn’t been an issue. In fact, they’ve been rather exciting to watch. With eight goals spread amongst four players, including captain Heung-Min Son, Saudi Arabia’s defence will be tested, having only been breached once to date.

Saudi Arabia missed a penalty vs Thailand to make it three wins from three, and despite dominating, were unable to score thanks to heroics from goalkeeper Saranon Anuin.

However, with South Korea’s defence not up to scratch, Roberto Mancini’s new-look team can get back on the scoresheet in what should be a mouthwatering tie between two very attacking nations.

• Saudi Arabia vs South Korea Tip 1: BTTS – Yes
• Best Odds: 1.95
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 9/10

Saudi Arabia vs South Korea Tip 2: Goals to flow in second half

With two teams who thrive off their attacking nature, it’s difficult to look beyond an end-to-end finale with a place in the quarter-finals on the line – especially if either team falls behind.

South Korea were 1-0 up at half-time before five goals followed in the second half vs Malaysia, and it was a similar story vs Bahrain.

Klinsmann’s team were 1-0 up before three goals were scored in a chaotic second period, where space opened up for both nations, who looked to secure points in their opening fixture.

Saudi Arabia fell behind to Oman in their opening match, and their relentless pressure not only rescued an equaliser, but a 96th-minute winner turned the game on its head – which, therefore, saw more goals scored in the second half.

A combination of South Korea’s vulnerable defence and a new winning mentality instilled into Saudi Arabia by new head coach Roberto Mancini, this match looks perfectly set to explode in the second half once the first goal has been scored.

• Saudi Arabia vs South Korea Tip 2: Second Half Most Goals
• Best Odds: 2.00
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Saudi Arabia vs South Korea Tip 3: Late drama in Doha

Here, we’re adding another layer of value to our trio of selections in this clash between Saudi Arabia and South Korea; there’s likely to be late drama in this encounter.

As mentioned, both teams have scored or conceded late goals, and with a place in the quarter-finals on the line, this game has everything to indicate there will be more drama in the final third of the match.

Despite being second-favourites to lift the trophy, South Korean fans aren’t happy with their team’s vulnerability at the back. Neither are they happy with their head coach, who appeared to be smirking after conceding with the last kick of the match against Malaysia.

When there’s a divide between the manager and the fans at a major tournament, this is normally a recipe for disaster – and one Saudi will look to exploit.

Both nations have brought fans in their droves to all fixtures, in particular the Saudis, who have made their games feel as though they are the hosts, which is always an advantage. If Saudi are chasing the game, the Korean’s certainly won’t relish the atmosphere.

Factor in the amount of added time we’ve witnessed in the Asian Cup this year. We’re likely to get at least 25 minutes for either side to find a goal and land us a winner.

• Saudi Arabia vs South Korea Tip 3: Goal after 75:59
• Best Odds: 1.85
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Saudi Arabia vs South Korea Prediction odds via bet365 as at 11:00, January 26th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

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Saudi Arabia vs South Korea Team News Preview: Clean bill of health for both nations

Spectators will be in for a treat with this fixture as both Saudi Arabia and South Korea head into this match with no fresh injury concerns. South Korea, although having five days in between fixtures, won’t have been pleased to play 120 minutes vs Malaysia, who’ll no doubt have at least one day to rest before going back to training.

Keep an eye on PSG’s Kang-In Lee, who has three goals to his name, while Spurs’ Heung-Min Son has found the back of the net twice from the spot.

Roberto Mancini’s Saudi Arabia are quietly going under the radar when it comes to talking about those lifting the trophy. If they are to knock out the tournament’s second favourites, they might start appearing on a few radars.

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Saudi Arabia vs South Korea Stats Preview:

• These two nations met in a friendly match back in September 2023 where South Korea came out on top 1-0.
• South Korea has won four of the last five head-to-heads without conceding in any of those matches.
• Heung-Min Son and Kang-In Lee have both scored two goals in his three Asian Cup group matches.

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How To Watch

• Saudi Arabia vs South Korea, Asian Cup.
• Date and Time: Tuesday, January 30th, 16:00 (UK)
• How to Watch or Stream on TV (UK): Triller+, bet365, Unibet

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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.