Al Ahli will go one-on-one against Al Raed at the King Abdullah Sports City as both sides look to return to winning ways in the Saudi Pro League. Kick-off is slated for 16:20 GMT.
Key Highlights
Al Ahli
Al Ahli have displayed a relatively average run of form in the opening nine matches in the Saudi Pro League. So far, they have three wins, two draws, and four losses. Their form means that they sit 9th in the league, with a 33% win rate in their matches.
In front of the home supporters, Al Ahli have been average with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. Away from home, they have posted even worse results with 1 win, 1 draw, and 3 defeats.
Their run of form includes 12 goals scored in 9 matches, which is an under-performance on their xG For per match of 1.72. The expected goals from the chances they created across the nine matches show that Al Ahli should have had at least 15 goals. This shows that their attack lacks the cutting edge they need to take the big chances they create per match.
Defensively, they have performed better, conceding 9 times in the nine matches, an average of 1 per match, which has over-performed their xG Against per match of 1.22.
Al Ahli will look to fix their attacking profligacy when they host Al Raed on Friday as they bid to rise on the table.
Ivan Toney will lead the line for Al Ahli as they look to bounce back to form in the Saudi Pro League
Al Raed
Al Raed’s opening nine matches have resulted in three wins, two draws, and four losses, highlighting an average run of form as they bid to steady their mid-table status. They currently sit 10th on the table with a 33% win rate so far.
Their home form has been poor, with a solitary win, a draw, and two losses. Away from home, they have displayed an average run of form with a couple of wins, a draw, and two losses.
With an xG For per match of 0.98, Al Raed have demonstrated efficiency and a cutting edge in front of goal to score 13 goals in the 9 matches in the Saudi Pro League. However, the challenge for Al Raed is that they have conceded 13 goals in the process, averaging a goal scored and a goal conceded per match, explaining the 22% draw rate.
Al Raed will look to regain some compactness and solidity as they bid to contain Al Ahli’s attack on Friday and retain an attacking threat throughout the match.
Injury Report
Al Ahli will be without defensive midfielder Abdullah Otayf, with the 32-year-old nursing a cruciate ligament tear. They will also miss Mohammed Al-Majhad, the central midfielder recovering from a knee injury.
Al Raed have not reported any fresh injury worries ahead of their trip to face Al Ahli on Friday.
Team News
With Ivan Toney not starting in Al Ahli’s 5-1 rout of Al Shorta in the AFC Champions League, the former Brentford striker is likely to return to lead the line with brace hero Roberto Firmino likely to play alongside him as they look to bolster their attacking threat.
Al Raed will stick to a back three, with Al-Yousef, Qasmi, and Hazazi manning the central areas and Al Dossary and Al Hawsawi playing as full-backs. This approach will give them a solid platform upon which to build their performance.
Prediction
Playing at home, Al Ahli are favored to win the match. They have the firepower up front and the defensive solidity to overcome Al Raed and return to winning ways.
