In the case of the Mexicans, they will have to show a vast improvement on the performances that have seen them pick up just one point from their two games so far.
As for Saudi Arabia, they will be hoping to recapture the spirit of the shock win over Argentina with which they kicked off this tournament.
Below are the confirmed lineups for both teams ahead of a massive World Cup clash.
Mexico vs Saudi Arabia lineups
Gerardo Martino has refused to blame his strikers for Mexico’s failure to find the back of the net across their two World Cup outings thus far.
El Tri are goalless in 180 minutes in Qatar, and need to end that dry spell if they are to have any chance of reaching the knockout stages.
But Martino has defended his goal-shy attackers, saying: “Right now, this is serious because we need to score in the game tomorrow. What happened during the last year was due to different reasons, as we had our attacking players facing physical issues.
“Some of them are in good condition at the World Cup, but this is not just about attackers. We all share our responsibilities. It is up to the whole team, not just certain positions.”
MORE: Mexico vs Saudi Arabia prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets
Saudi Arabia starting 11
Saudi Arabia (4-3-2-1, right to left): 21. Al-Owais (GK) — 2. Al-Ghanam, 4. Al-Amri, 17. Tambakti 5. Al-Boleahi — 12. Abdulhamid, 15. Ali Al-Hassan, 23. Kanno —9. Al-Buraikan, 10. Al-Dawsari — 11. Al-Shehri
Injured: Al-Shahrani, Al-Burayk, Al-Faraj Suspended: Al-Malki
Saudi Arabia are without Yasser Al-Shahrani, Mohammed Al-Burayk and Salman Al-Faraj for this one due to injuries.
They will also be denied the services of midfielder Abdulelah Al-Malki after he picked up a second yellow card last time out. Ali Al-Hassan comes in to replace him.
MORE: World Cup 2022 standings: Live updated table, points for every group in Qatar
Mexico starting 11
Mexico (4-3-3, right to left): 13. Ochoa (GK) — 19. Sanchez, 3. Montes, 15. Moreno, 23. Gallardo — 17. Pineda, 4. Alvarez, 24. Chavez — 22. Lozano, 20. Martin, 10. Vega
Injured: None Suspended: None
Henry Martin retains his place in attack despite suggestions Rogelio Funes Mori might have been in line for a start.
Mexico return to a 4-3-3 shape, with Orbelin Pineda coming into the midfield at the expense of Andres Guardado.
Saudi Arabia vs Mexico World Cup squads
Here are the names on Saudi Arabia and Mexico’s World Cup squad lists in Qatar (caps correct as of start of Qatar 2022):
