Al Qadsiah will look to make it three consecutive wins in the Saudi Pro League on Sunday when they host Al Shabab at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 16:20 GMT+1.
Key Highlights
Al Qadsiah
Al Qadsiah have had a storming start to their Saudi Pro League campaign, winning two out of two matches so far, scoring four times, and conceding zero goals. They are the only other Saudi Pro League side, other than Al Etiffaq yet to concede a goal this season.
The 3-0 win over Al Fateh and the 0-1 triumph over Al Raed highlight Al Qadsiah’s strength in the attacking phase and pronounce their solidity and compactness in the defensive phase.
A combination of a tight defensive unit and a potent attack provides crucial ingredients for a successful campaign in the top flight for the newly promoted side.
Al Shabab
Al Shabab have had a mixed start to their season, tasting defeat in their opening match before bouncing back to winning ways in round two of the Saudi Pro League before the FIFA international break.
The 0-1 defeat against Al Ettifaq exposed their weaknesses in a match where they dominated 60% of the ball but managed just four shots on target. In a clash of fine margins, Al Shabab’s lack of a clinical edge in the final third cost them, especially coming up against a well-organized side.
In their win at Al Khaleej, they played reactively, ceding possession to the home side. However, the volume of chances created was below par, with just two shots on target. Although they won 0-1, Al Shabab left with a lot to fix in their game.
They will look to bolster their performance when they meet new boys Al Qadsiah, who have shown a ruthless combination of defensive nous and attacking dynamism.
Abderrazak Hamdallah will likely lead the line for Al Shabab as they look to contain a surging Al Qadsiah on Sunday.
Injury Report
Neither side has reported fresh injury worries ahead of Sunday’s clash.
Team News
Aubameyang is likely to get the nod to lead the line on Sunday as the new signing looks to find his footing in the Saudi Pro League. He will be supported by Quinones, Nandes, and Othman in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Ferreira Carrasco, who scored the winning goal for Al Shabab in their 1-0 triumph at Al Khaleej, is the first name on the team sheet, alongside fellow attackers Bonaventura and Camara, as they look to find a rhythm in attack to create chances.
Prediction
Al Qadsiah have made a brilliant start to the season and have the fundamentals of a well-balanced side in all areas. They will have the edge over Al Shabab. Al Qadsiah will win and make it three consecutive wins in the Saudi Pro League.
