Steven Gerard’s Al Ettifaq are on the road this weekend as they travel to Al Fayha’s King Salman Sport City Stadium for a Saudi Pro League clash, with kickoff scheduled for 16:00 GMT.
Key Highlights
Al Fayha
With one win and two draws out of the opening seven rounds of fixtures in the Saudi Pro League, Al Fayha are marooned in the bottom three of the league with 5 points, a point off the basement but within three points of 11th-placed Al Raed.
They have lost twice in their last five outings, drawn twice, and won once. Overall, they have scored just five goals in seven matches, averaging less than a goal every match so far, while conceding 15 times, averaging more than two goals conceded in every match.
Al Fayha’s balance poses a significant headache for the manager and the players as they look to turn their form around this season.
The focus ahead of their clash against Al Ettifaq will be to tighten their rearguard by playing a narrow and compact shape and create a platform to attack in transitions.
Al Ettifaq
Al Ettifaq and Steven Gerrard have been disappointing so far this season, given the lofty ambitions and expectations of this side at the beginning of the season.
After opening the season with three consecutive wins, Steven Gerrard’s side have gone four without a win. Overall, their opening seven outings have resulted in three wins, one draw, and three defeats. They have scored 7 times while conceding nine times.
Steven Gerrard’s challenge has been getting the best out of his attackers. A return of 7 goals in 7 matches, an average of one goal per day, does not inspire confidence, especially when competing against free-scoring sides like Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Hilal.
Al Ettifaq are still looking for the formula to get the best out of their attackers while retaining their defensive solidity and shape. Gerrard will look to finally get the shape of the side right when they travel to face Al Fayha.
Steven Gerrard, Al Ettifaq’s manager, will look to turn his side’s form around and end their poor run
Injury Report
There are no reports of any fresh injury worries on both sides ahead of Saturday’s one-on-one clash.
Team News
Al Fayha are expected to keep faith in the side that lost 3-0 at Al Hilal as they look to get the points on board that they need to avoid a relegation scrap. Lopez and Pozuelo are expected to play through the middle, with Sakala and Nawaf Al-Harthu playing on either flank of the side.
The major players for Al Ettifaq are expected to step to the fore and be counted as they fight to regain their form; big performances are expected from Costa and Dembele in attack, with Wijnaldum and Vitinho expected to provide the control they need to get the three points.
Prediction
On paper, Al Ettifaq is favored to win this match; however, given their current form, the match against Al Fayha is expected to be closely contested. Al Ettifaq will win the match and get the three points they need to return to winning ways.
