Al Ettifaq will host Al Okhdood at the Abdullah Al Dabil Stadium on Wednesday for Saudi Pro League matchday two. Kickoff is slated for 15:45 GMT.
Key Highlights
Al Ettifaq
Moussa Dembele’s goal in the 74th minute was sufficient to give Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq an opening-day win and three points as they got off to a winning start in the Saudi Pro League.
Al Ettifaq were second-best for most of the match against Al Shabab; the hosts dominated possession with 60 percent and led the shots charts, with nine overall and four on target. Al Ettifaq had 40% possession, six shots overall, and two on target.
However, Steven Gerrard will be pleased with the clinical way his side dispatched a decent Al Shabab side and the winning start they have got this season.
The focus for Al Ettifaq ahead of their Wednesday clash against Al Okhdood will be to retain their tactical discipline, aggressive approach, and clinical finishing in the final third as they bid for back-to-back wins in the league.
Al Okhdood
Al Okhdood opened their Saudi Pro League campaign with a daunting clash against the rampant champions, Al Hilal.
The 0-3 defeat showed the gulf in quality between the two sides, with Al Okhdood on the receiving end of a dominant performance by Al Hilal.
Al Hilal’s striker, Aleksandar Mitrovic, underlined his credentials and sent out a statement of intent this season with a fine brace in the 4th and 39th minutes to set Al Hilal on their way. Midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic added a third just before halftime, giving the defending champions a dominant lead heading into the second half.
Al Okhdood contained the champions better in the second half; however, the damage was already done in the first half, with the match ending 0-3 in favor of the visitors.
Al Okhdood will look to avoid another hiding when they face an in-form and confident Al Ettifaq.
Injury Report
Neither side has reported significant injury worries ahead of their meeting on Wednesday in the Saudi Pro League.
Team News
Steven Gerrard will look to keep things stable as his side look to retain their consistency. He will retain a three-man attack comprising Moussa Dembele, Gray, and Toko Ekambi.
Al Okhdood are expected to stick with A.S. Al Hatila to lead the line in the final third, with Godwin and Al Yami providing support from wide areas. However, the focus will be solidity and compactness to give them a chance to get something from the match.
Prediction
Al Ettifaq have the momentum from their opening-day win at Al Shabab; they will approach this match with confidence and a front-foot approach. Al Okhdood will be reactive and pragmatic in their approach, designed to frustrate Al Ettifaq.
Al Ettifaq are favored to win the match and take the three points.
