China vs. Saudi Arabia odds, picks, how to watch, live stream: March 24 AFC World Cup qualifier predictions
Thu, Mar 24, 2022
Soccer News (AP)
and China will meet in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday, with only one country still having something to play for. Saudi Arabia (6-1-1) sits atop Group B and can clinch its spot in the 2022 World Cup with a win, while China (1-2-5) has already been eliminated from Qatar 2022 contention. These teams last met in Oct. 2021, when Saudi Arabia protected its home field and prevailed 3-2. You can stream all the action on Paramount+.
Kick-off is set for 11 a.m. ET at Sharjah Stadium in the United Arab Emirates. Caesars Sportsbook lists the Saudis as the -245 favorites (risk $245 to win $100) on the 90-minute money line. The latest China vs. Saudi Arabia odds also have China as the +750 underdog, while a draw returns +295. The over-under for total goals is 2.5. Thursday's match will be streamed live on Paramount+ with their must-have Premium plan.
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- China vs. Saudi Arabia date: Thursday, March 24
- China vs. Saudi Arabia time: 11 a.m. ET
- China vs. Saudi Arabia live stream: Paramount+
Before you tune in to Thursday's World Cup qualifiers, you need to see the AFC World Cup qualifiers picks from soccer insider Jon Eimer. He is a high-volume bettor who has vast knowledge of leagues and players across the globe. Since joining Spotrac, Eimer has covered the English Premier League, Serie A, the FA Cup and much more. The Indiana-based handicapper compiled a winning record of 260-133-1 with over 90 units of profit for his community on various platforms over a recent two-month stretch.
For China vs. Saudi Arabia, Eimer is backing Saudi Arabia to win to nil at -120 odds. Eight of the Saudis' last 12 games have been won to nil, with half of those coming in the third round of qualifying. On the other hand, China has already lost to nil three times in this qualifying round, and three of those came while the team was still in contention for a World Cup spot. Now that it has been eliminated, its motivation could be lacking against a Saudi Arabia team that controls its own destiny.
The talent discrepancy between these teams is evident in the Group B table, where Saudi Arabia tops the group while China is second-to-last. The divide will be even more apparent on Thursday since China's best player and leading goal scorer won't suit up. Wu Lei's four goals were not only half of China's total scored, but also topped all players among the 12 teams still standing. Eimer acknowledges that his absence provides the perfect opportunity for Saudi Arabia to pick up a clean sheet victory.
"China winger and star player Wu Lei has accumulated four of the team's total of eight goals so far in qualifiers," Eimer told Spotrac. "When he was called upon by the national team and manager Li Xiaopeng, Wu Lei declined the call for international play. This call was declined so that Wu Lei could boost his playing prospects at Espanyol."
Now that you know what to pick, get ready to watch the AFC World Cup Qualifiers.Visit Paramount+ now to see the World Cup Qualifiers, your live local AP sporting events, some of the world's top soccer matchups and much more.
