The Saudis are third in the standings with 11 points, behind DPR Korea only on
goal difference and need to secure all three points if they are to be assured of
a fifth successive World Cup appearance.
The hosts’ task has been
hampered with Al Shabab midfielder Abdoh Ateef out with a knee injury while his
brother Ahmed is suspended after he was sent off against Korea Republic earlier
this month.
But despite the blow, Peseiro is confident in the rest of
his players to get the result they need at King Fahd International Stadium.
“It was a great shock to lose the services of both players but in my
plan I only base my tactics depending on who is available and who is ready,” he
said.
“We will miss the two players in this crucial game but I believe
in the other players’ abilities and experiences.
"We all know that it is
our responsibility to end this campaign in a right way, my players are ready and
I can feel their desire to win this match.”
DPR Korea came out on top in
the previous encounter between the two sides in Pyongyang with Mun In-guk’s goal
proving decisive.
As a consequence, Peseiro believes his side are in for
another difficult encounter made trickier with the North Koreans expected to
defend in numbers to secure a draw, although a point could still not be enough
for either side to take second if Iran defeat Korea Republic in Seoul.
“North Korea have conceded only a few goals, they have a strong defence
and I think they will start the match in a defending format as they only need
the draw,” he added.
"I am sure that my players will be in the right
form and they need to battle and be patient to achieve their goal. It will not
be an easy clash."
Peseiro also hopes the weather in Riyadh will work in
his side’s favour but believes the Saudis will still need to be at their best if
they are to claim the three points.
"I think the weather will not be so
good for them but this is not much of an advantage as we need a huge effort from
the players on the field,” continued the Portuguese tactician.
“When we
attack we need to show much more effort than the team who are defending.”
DPR Korea, meanwhile, are aiming to reach their first finals since
reaching the quarter-finals at the 1966 World Cup in England. | 
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