Ladbrokes previews Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia in Group H at the World Cup, with bet builder tips
Kevin Pina and Salem Al-Dawsari are predicted to have a shot on target each
Cape Verde are predicted to avoid defeat in historic bid to reach the round of 32
Cape Verde are on the cusp of greatness ahead of their final World Cup Group H encounter against Saudi Arabia in Houston.
The World Cup debutants have pulled off shock draws against both Spain and Uruguay in North America so far and can secure an extraordinary place in the round of 32 if they avoid defeat against Saudi Arabia in their last game.
Saudi Arabia are also in the running for the knockout stage as they sit on one point as it stands but, unlike their opponents, they need a win, meaning we are in for a treat of an encounter.
Our predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Vozinha / Moreira, Pico, Diney, Paulo / Pina / Mendes, Duarte, Monteiro, Rodrigues / Benchimol
Saudi Arabia
Our predicted XI (5-4-1): Al-Owais / Abdulhamid, Al-Amri, Al-Tambakti, Lajami, Al-Harbi / Al-Shamat, N Al-Dawsari, Kanno, S. Al-Dawsari / Al-Buraika
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia bet builder tips
Saudi Arabia to score under 1.5 goals
Only at the World Cup could you go from being a relative unknown to a global star overnight and that is exactly what has happened to goalkeeper Vozinha, whose Instagram followers tally now stands at nearly 16 million.
The 40-year-old keeper made 15 saves to earn Cape Verde an extraordinary point against Spain and will likely be in for another busy evening if he is to help his country reach the round of 32 on their World Cup debut.
Uruguay did beat him twice in a 2-2 draw last time out and while we think Saudi may also find the net, we're backing their veteran stopper to make a string of saves once again to keep the score down. As a result, backing under 1.5 Saudi Arabia goals feels like a good play.
Kevin Pina (Lenini) to have 1+ shots on target
To another Cape Verde hero now in the form of midfielder Kevin Pina, who scored their first World Cup goal with a stunning long-range free-kick against Uruguay.
While a more defensive-minded option, the minnows are likely to try and utilise set-pieces once again, meaning Pina is in line to try more efforts on goal. As a result, our experts are tipping him to have another shot on target in this game.
Salem Al-Dawsari to have 1+ shots on target
Salem Al-Dawsari has had a quiet World Cup so far but remains one of the Saudi Arabia players most capable of making something special happen - just as his stunning winner to beat Argentina in the 2022 World Cup shows.
We're predicting their skipper to burst into life in this game by trying his luck with at least one shot on goal.
Cape Verde to win or draw
Finally, we're tipping Cape Verde to avoid defeat once again, which would keep them unbeaten and likely see them seal a place in the round of 32.
Written off by most before a ball was kicked, the African island nation has shown both their defensive and attacking quality in equal measure across games against Spain and Uruguay and with this game looking like the most favourable of their three in Group H, we're backing a win or draw in a double chance to round off our bet builder.
You can bet on each of these markets individually, or combine them to create a Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia Bet Builder. With Bet Builder+, you can combine your bet with other World Cup matches, and also with different sports.
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia takes place on Saturday, June 27, with kick-off scheduled for 1am in the UK.
Where can I watch Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia?
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia will be shown live on ITV4 and ITVX in the UK.
Can you bet on Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia?
Ladbrokes are offering customers the chance to bet on a number of Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia markets, including match result, both teams to score and goalscorers.
