The Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium will be the venue for the clash between hosts Al Ahli Saudi and visitors Al Wehda in the Saudi Pro League, with kickoff slated for 18:00 GMT+1.
Key Highlights
Al Ahli Saudi
Marooned in midtable, Al Ahli have been in average form throughout the season. They have won five, drawn two, and lost four out of their 11 outings in the Saudi Pro League.
Their attacking output has lagged the top sides in the division, scoring just 15 times in 11 matches; however, their defensive record is one of the best in the SPL, conceding just nine goals, which is the third-best in the league behind Al Shabab (7 goals) and Al Ittihad and Al Qadsiah (both conceded eight goals).
Back-to-back wins against Al Raed (2-0) and Al Fayha (0-1) have brought welcome clean sheets for Matthias Jaissle’s side.
Ivan Toney’s form will be crucial for Al Ahli as they look to step up their attacking output, especially in terms of the on-pitch relationship with fellow attackers – Mahrez, Firmino, and Veiga.
Al Wehda
Al Wehda are relegation strugglers in the Saudi Pro League this season. In 11 outings, they have two wins, three draws, and six losses.
They have managed 15 goals in the league but conceded 27 times, making them the worst defensive side in the SPL.
Al Wehda’s manager, Josef Zinnbauer, is faced with tough decisions given the failure of the tactical approaches he has employed so far in the league this season.
The 4-2-3-1 formation has left his side exposed to transition attacks and a little light in the solidity they need to turn their form around.
The focus for Josef Zinnbauer in the clash against Al Ahli will be to adopt a defensive structure, narrow and low-block, to force the visitors wide and make it harder for them to create chances.
After a brace in the AFC Champions League in midweek, Ivan Toney will be eager to keep the goals coming as Al Ahli host Al Wehda on Friday
Injury Report
Al Ahli will be without three first-team players. Defensive midfielder Abdullah Otayfis is sidelined with a cruciate ligament tear, central midfielder Mohammed Al-Majhad is out with a knee injury, and center-back Rayan Hamed is out with a torn ankle ligament.
Al Wehda will have fuller ranks when they face Al Ahli, with only attacking midfielder Nawaf Al-Azizi sidelined with a cruciate ligament tear.
Team News
The choice between Ivan Toney and al-Buraikan for who will lead the line for Al Ahli will remain intriguing ahead of the match. With Toney having grabbed a brace after combining on for al-Buraikan in the 1-2 win over Al Ain, he is odds-on to start. The three behind the striker will likely be Mahrez, Firmino, and Veiga, in a fluid attacking shape.
Odion Ighalo will continue leading the line for Al Wehda, with Noor and Goodwin supporting him from wide areas. Josef Zinnbauer will restructure the midfield to make it more compact with the presence of Cretu and Bacuna at the base of the midfield.
Prediction
Al Ahli will have the edge to win the three points on Friday. Their home form is impressive, and they boast a wealth of attacking talent that is capable of hurting any side, let alone the worst defensive side in the Saudi Pro League.
