The Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium will host the clash between eighth-placed Al Qadsiah and 12th-placed Damac on Friday. Kickoff is slated for 15:40 GMT+1.
Key Highlights
Al Qadsiah
Back-to-back losses in the Saudi Pro League have halted Al Qadsiah’s momentum. The two losses, which came against Al Riyadh and Al Ittihad, have especially been damaging because they were against teams challenging at the top end of the Saudi league table.
Al Qadsiah also conceded five times in these two matches while scoring twice, which underscores their twin problem this season. Their attack has not hit the heights they expected, while their rearguard has been porous.
In their seven matches this season, they have averaged a goal every match, scoring just seven times while conceding six times. Al Qadsiah need to bolster their attacking play ahead of hosting a Damac side that conceded 12 times in seven outings this season.
Al Qadsiah will look to steady their form in the Saudi Pro League as they look to regain consistency in performances as they host Damac
Damac
After back-to-back defeats, Damac have bounced back with a win and a draw. Their return to form has coincided with a significant sharpening of their attack.
Damac kept a clean sheet in their 1-0 win at home to Al Shabab, which bolstered the morale among the side’s shape and structure. Although they conceded twice against Al Taawoun, they also scored two times, further highlighting their sharpening attack on their way to a 2-2 draw.
Damac’s focus ahead of their trip to Al Qadsiah will be to further improve their balance between attack and defense. This will allow them to tighten their rearguard while bolstering their attack potency.
Injury Report
Neither side has reported significant injury worries ahead of the meeting on Friday.
Team News
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who pulled Al Qadsiah level against Al Ittihad last time out before they eventually lost 3-1, will lead the line for the hosts on Friday. The striker will be expected to provide the spark in attack to drive them forward and lead them to three points.
Damac’s Diallo and N’Koudou, who were on the scoresheet against Al Taawoun, will continue leading the attack for Damac when they travel to Al Qadsiah on Friday.
Prediction
Al Qadsiah, playing at home, are favored to win the match and take the three points on offer.
