Saudi Arabia poised for six changes against Oman in Gulf 27

Saudi Arabia manager Georgios Donis is expected to make six changes to his starting line-up against Oman in the second round of the Arabian Gulf Cup “Gulf 27” on Saturday evening.

The changes are intended to refresh the team and strengthen its chances of securing a second consecutive victory in the competition.

Saudi Arabia began their campaign with a 1-0 win over Kuwait, while Oman drew 1-1 with Iraq. Those results have increased the significance of Saturday’s meeting, with the outcome likely to have an important bearing on the group standings.

Defensive changes expected

Mohammed Al-Owais is expected to replace Nawaf Al-Aqidi in goal after Al-Aqidi suffered an injury during the win over Kuwait.

Hassan Al-Tambakti is also in line to start at centre-back in place of Abdulilah Al-Amri. Zakaria Al-Hawsawi could come into the side at left-back, taking the place of Mutab Al-Harbi.

The expected defensive changes would give Al-Owais, Al-Tambakti and Al-Hawsawi an opportunity to feature from the start as Donis reshapes his back line for the Oman match.

In midfield, Donis is considering starting Abdullah Al-Khaibari as the holding midfielder alongside Nasser Al-Dawsari and Mohamed Kanno.

That would mean Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat dropping out of the starting line-up. The adjustment is expected to provide Saudi Arabia with greater balance in the centre of the pitch.

Mandash and Al-Birakan set to start

There could also be two changes in attack as Donis looks to increase Saudi Arabia’s threat in the final third.

Sultan Mandash is expected to start on the right wing instead of Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, while Firas Al-Birakan is in contention to lead the attack in place of Abdullah Al-Hamdan.

The move would represent a significant reshuffle from the team that started against Kuwait, with the coaching staff seeking a more effective attacking display against Oman.

If the anticipated line-up is confirmed, the six changes would involve Al-Owais, Al-Tambakti, Al-Hawsawi, Al-Khaibari, Mandash and Al-Birakan.

Donis will be aiming to guide Saudi Arabia to a second straight win and improve their position in the Gulf 27 campaign, while Oman will be looking for their first victory after their opening draw with Iraq.