Well, he has enough Celestial Masters trying to kill me.
You can expect them 2-3 turns after he does that - if he will. Another nice trick he has is a good bunch of Demons of Celestial Rivers (he loves to Etherealize them) - but these will take more time to move to you - unless he is already summoning another bunch.
As for his chances against Sauromatia I think you are quite right - he is trying just to get the honorable second place now...