Spain Takes on Saudi Arabia at the World Cup: Bold Predictions, Key Lineups, and What to Expect

Spain will look to kickstart its World Cup campaign on Sunday when it takes on Saudi Arabia in Atlanta.

A surprising 0–0 stalemate with Cabo Verde in their previous outing was a significant setback for Spain, but fortunately for Luis de la Fuente, it didn't cost the side any ground in Group H as Uruguay and Saudi Arabia also played out a draw in their encounter.

Saudi Arabia relied on a slice of luck to earn a point against Uruguay and may need a similar stroke of fortune against a Spain side that knows its most challenging group fixture is still ahead.

Here's Sports Illustrated's guide to the action.

Spain vs. Saudi Arabia Score Prediction

La Roja Bounces Back in Style

Spain enters as the clear favorite, though that was equally true in their last outing against Cabo Verde, which famously didn't go to plan.

The frustration from that result is likely to have driven Spain's training sessions this week, and La Roja will be more motivated than ever to make a statement and prove their status as a pre-tournament contender.

Saudi Arabia's resolute defense will look to cause difficulties, but Spain should ultimately prove too powerful to be denied.

Prediction: Spain 2–0 Saudi Arabia

Spain Predicted Lineup vs. Saudi Arabia

Liverpool-bound Víctor Muñoz is set to miss out due to a hamstring problem, though improved fitness among several other attackers should give De la Fuente more options to ring the changes.

Both Yamal and Nico Williams are candidates to enter the starting eleven and bring some fresh energy to Spain's forward line, though neither may last beyond the hour mark.

Gavi and Ferran Torres failed to impress against Cabo Verde and could find themselves dropped to the bench as a consequence.

Spain predicted lineup vs. Saudi Arabia (4-3-3): Simón; Llorente, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian, Pedri; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams.

Saudi Arabia Predicted Lineup vs. Spain

Coach Georgios Donis is not expected to make significant changes to his squad for this fixture, knowing his team will likely spend much of the match defending.

Forwards Firas Al-Buraikan and Musab Al-Juwayr will be hoping to make the most of limited attacking opportunities against a Spain side that will commit men forward and could leave space in behind.

Saudi Arabia predicted lineup vs. Spain (4-4-2): Al Owais; Abdulhamid, Al Tambakti, Al Amri, Al Harbi; Al Shamat, Al Khaibari, Kanno, Al Dawsari; Al Buraikan, Al Juwayr.

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