Al Khaleej and Al Shabab will go one-on-one in the Saudi Pro League at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 18:00 GMT.
Key Highlights
Al Khaleej
Al Khaleej opened their Saudi Pro League season with a narrow win away to Damac. In a lackluster performance, Al Khaleej were elated to take all three points on offer as they work to steady their form as the season picks up steam.
Damac’s Dhari Al Anazi put the ball through his own net in the 16th minute to gift Al Khaleej a lead that they did not relinquish for the rest of the match, as they held on for the away win and the three points.
Damac dominated the match with 57% of the ball; however, they lacked precision in the final third to penetrate behind the Al Khaleej defense and create high-quality chances. The hosts managed 19 shots overall, with two on target.
Al Khaleej’s problems were underlined in this match. They had just five shots in the match and managed just one on target from their 43% possession. The focus for them ahead of playing Al Shabab will be to improve their attacking play to enhance their ability to trouble the Shabab defense on Thursday.
Al Shabab
Al Shabab made a losing start to their Saudi Pro League season after they lost narrowly to Al Ettifaq at home.
Al Shabab controlled most of the match and contained the threat posed by Al Ettifaq. They limited the visitors to just two shots on target all game. Shabab also dominated possession with 60%, which allowed them to set the tempo of the encounter.
However, they did not create enough clear-cut chances to curve Al Ettifaq open during this match. They managed nine shots and four on target, which was more than Al Ettifaq’s two on target.
The focus for Al Shabab ahead of their trip to Al Khaleej on Thursday will be to improve the balance between defense and attack to stand a chance of getting off the mark in the Saudi Pro League in the second round of fixtures.
Injury Report
Neither side has reported significant injury worries ahead of the clash on Thursday.
Team News
Al Sumairi and Hamzi will be crucial in the Al Khaleej midfield double-pivot; they will be charged with the responsibility of recycling possession and dominating the match to establish the platform for the home side to perform.
Al Shabab will retain their attacking players by keeping faith in Bonaventura, Carrasco, and Camara as they look for a formula to unlock their quality in the Saudi Pro League.
Prediction
Al Khaleej and Al Shabab are evenly balanced ahead of the match on Thursday. Al Shabab have the slight edge to win their first match this season and get off the mark.
Match Predictions for This Day
- Al Ittihad vs. Al Taawoun (Thursday, 29 August) Saudi Pro League Match Prediction
