Al Ahli Saudi will welcome Al Okhdood to the King Abdullah Sports City for a one-on-one Saudi Pro League clash, with kickoff slated for 19:00 GMT+1.
Key Highlights
Al Ahli Saudi
With just three wins out of seven outings this season in the Saudi Pro League, two losses, and two draws, Al Ahli sits 7th on the table with 10 points, 11 points off the pace at the top end of the division.
Their inconsistency has hampered their progress this season, especially their lack of potency in front of goal, resulting in 11 goals scored, compared to Al Hilal and Al Ittihad with 21 and 20 goals respectively.
Last time out away to Al Khaleej, Al Ahli demonstrated their positive turn in form, scoring three times and winning the three points. However, the numbers showed that they had 49% of the ball and conceded nine attempted shots but none on target. They attempted 14 shots with six on target.
Al Ahli will look to extend their good dominant form into the next match against Al Okhdood as they bid to step up their form and rise on the table.
Al Okhdood
Al Okhdood have been poor in their opening seven rounds of fixtures in the Saudi Pro League, managing just a solitary win, a solitary draw, and five defeats.
They currently sit second from bottom on the Saudi Pro League table, with 4 points out of a possible 21.
Al Okhood’s challenges are highlighted at both ends of the pitch. On the one hand, they have scored just six goals this season, one of the lowest striking output in the league. On the other hand, they have conceded 12 times, which is on the high end in the league.
The lack of cutting-edge and defensive solidity has seen Al Okhdood struggle in the league. If they are to turn around their form and start getting points on board, starting with the clash against Al Ahli, Al Okhdood will need to turn around their form and ensure they are solid and potent in counter-attacks.
Injury Report
Neither side has reported fresh injury worries ahead of the two sides’ meeting on Friday.
Team News
Ivan Toney and Gabriel Veiga will continue leading the line through the middle, with the former playing in the traditional striker role and the latter supporting him in the creative number ten role. Mahrez and Al-Buraikan will flank the two on either side.
Al Okhdood will look to rediscover their attacking zest with their frontline of Bassogog, Kone, and Musona, who have not had much impact in the league this season. Supported by three midfielders in Petros, Al Muwallad, and Pedroza, Al Okhdood will hope for a combination of solidity and cutting edge in counter-attacking situations.
Prediction
Al Ahli have the momentum and form to be the favorites in this match; they will win and take the three points on offer.