Al Qadsiah will welcome Al Fateh to the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium on Friday for the opening match of the new Saudi Pro League season. Kick-off is slated for 18:00 GMT.
The newly promoted Al Qadsiah will look to make a storming start to the new season as they take on a side that struggled last season in the Saudi Pro League, finishing 7th with 12 wins to their name out of 34 outings.
Key Highlights
Al Qadsiah
Al Qadsiah had a high profile pre-season clash against Greek club Olympiacos in July, with the match ending in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
The match demonstrated the newly-promoted Al Qadsiah’s attacking potency, which they showed in the Saudi First Division, when they won the title and won promotion in the process. They are dynamic in attack and have a fluid midfield play that helped them to dominate the Saudi First Division, with 73 points, 9 points ahead of second-placed Al Orobah.
With their 22 wins, seven draws, and just 5 defeats in the Saudi First Division, Al Qadsiah made their mark and demonstrated their quality ahead of the kickoff in the Saudi Pro League against a top-division regular, Al Fateh.
Al Fateh
Al Fateh will look for a fast and winning start to their Saudi Pro League campaign on Friday when they go one-on-one against promoted Al Qadsiah.
Having sacked Slaven Bilic, Al Fateh are starting the new season under a cloud of uncertainty. However, there is an expectation that they can weather the storm of internal turnover and produce a steady and experienced performance on Friday.
The side, who finished 7th last season on the Saudi Pro League table with 45 points, 20 points out of the Asian Champions League qualifying places, will hope to have a better season and challenge the top sides, starting with the clash away to Al Qadsiah.
Injury Report
The two sides have not reported notable injury issues within their respective squads ahead of their clash on Friday in the Saudi Pro League.
Team News
Al Qadsiah, in their first match in the Saudi Pro League, will be pragmatic in their approach. They will defend in numbers and look to attack on the break. Their attackers will be crucial in providing cover and pressing from the front in an aggressive approach.
Al Fateh are expected to line up with Djaniny as the striker leading the line, and behind him the triumvirate of Tello, Zelarayan, and Bendebka forming a fluid supporting cast in attack and midfield. In their 4-2-3-1 formation, Al Fateh will establish a balance in midfield and attack, ensuring they will control the midfield and set the tempo of the match.
Prediction
Al Qadsiah are the clear underdogs in this match being the newly promoted side and lacking the experience of the Saudi top division. However, they will be tactically disciplined and aggressive in their approach.
Al Fateh will have the onus of playing like the favorite side, on the front foot and setting the tempo of the match.
Al Fateh are the football pick to win the match and claim the three points.
Match Predictions for This Day:
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