Dos Anjos was dismissed as Saudi coach last Sunday, less than 24 hours after a 2-1 win over Lebanon that put them on the verge of a place in the final round of the Asian qualifiers.

Caretaker coach Nasser Al Johar has been handed the reins for Saudi Arabia’s last two Group Four games and needs only a point in Singapore to seal his team’s progress.

"I am not surprised with what they have done because at this stage of the competition, they always seem to sack their coach," said Avramovic.

"They have done this before and it is normal for them. It is their problem and their way of dealing with it and I don’t really care about it.

"I am sure they have some reason for doing it or maybe it is just a habit."

The Serbian believes the Saudis will experience minimal disruption under new man Al Johar, who was named Asian Coach of the Year in 2001 during one of his many spells in charge of the national team.

"For the last 15 years, he has always been with the team so there is nothing unusual about him taking over as coach," he added.

"For the players, this is normal and the coach is no stranger to them.

"When they sacked their coach (Bandar Juaithen) during the Olympic qualifiers last year, he took over and nearly led them to qualification."

The Saudis only need a point to advance but Avramovic does not expect them to approach the encounter with a defensive mindset.

"I don’t think that they will be playing for a draw. They have quality and I think they will try to win the game," he said.

"The reality is that we are in a difficult position and must try to win the game.

"It is not often you get an opportunity to play one of the best teams in Asia. We have nothing to lose so we should go out and try to show our best side."

Singapore midfielder Shi Jiayi is doubtful with a groin problem while Mustafic Fahruddin is suspended after picking up two yellow cards.

Al Johar has refused to speak to the media since the team’s arrival on Monday and was unavailable for comment on Friday as the Saudis did not attend the pre-match press conference.

Striker Yasser Al Qahtani has a stomach muscle problem and defender Naif Al
Qadi is also a doubt but defender Abdullah Shuhail is expected to return after missing the Lebanon victory through injury.