Al Riyadh will host Al Ettifaq at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium on Sunday in a Saudi Pro League one-on-one clash scheduled to kick off at 15:40 GMT+1.
Key Highlights
Al Riyadh
Al Riyadh come into the clash against Al Ettifaq at a low ebb; they have collected one point from their last three outings in the Saudi Pro League.
However, there have been signs of improvement for the hosts, especially in the defeats against Al Ittihad and Al Nassr, sandwiching the 2-2 draw against Damac. The narrow defeats against two of the top three sides in the Saudi Pro League showed tactical range and solidity for Al Riyadh.
Limiting the chances created by the free-scoring Al Ittihad and the attacking intent of Al Nassr shows underlying fundamentals in defense that can be unleashed to help Al Riyadh enhance their standing in the SPL.
Their home form, which reads two wins in their last six matches in front of the home fans, drawing one and losing three, will give them cause for hope as they host a hapless Al Ettifaq side.
Al Ettifaq
Steven Gerrard’s side started the 2024/25 season with three straight wins in a promising opening for the Englishman and justifying the high hopes for the Al Ettifaq hierarchy and fans.
However, things have since disintegrated as their form nosedived. Two points from their last seven matches in the Saudi Pro League is an underwhelming return for the investment in the side, and the array of talent at the disposal of the former Liverpool legend turned manager.
A micro view of their form in their last three matches shows a low-scoring side struggling for attacking output. This was evident in their narrow 0-1 defeat against Al Raed and their 1-1 draw against Al Fayha. However, their defensive woes were exposed in the heavier 3-1 defeat against leaders Al Hilal ahead of the international break.
Gerrard faces a herculean task to turn Al Ettiffaq’s form around, starting with the trip to Al Riyadh.
Steven Gerrard, Al Ettifaq’s manager, will be expecting his side to end their winless run in the Saudi Pro League
Injury Report
Al Riyadh will miss key players Enzo Roco, who is injured and Zahid Al Sahafi, who is suspended.
Al Ettifaq will be without Abdulelah Al Malki and Abdullah Al Khateeb, who are injured, whereas the suspended Abdul Radif will also be unavailable.
Team News
The inability to call on Enzo Roco and Zahid Al Sahafi will have a significant impact on Al Riyadh’s defensive solidity when they face Al Ettifaq on Sunday. They will have to plug the gaps left by these players in their 5-3-2 formation that prioritizes solidity over any attacking flair. Andre Grey, who has been in good form with goals in the last two outings, will be the key player for Al Riyadh.
For Al Ettifaq, the absences of Abdulelah Al Malki and Abdullah Al Khateeb will test their squad depth as they fight to turn their form around. Malki will especially be a big miss in the central defensive midfield in the 5-3-2 formation, screening the base with Fofana and Wijnaldum on either side.
Moussa Dembele, with six goals in the last five outings in all competitions, has been the outstanding player for Al Ettifaq; he is the player to watch for Gerrard’s side.
Prediction
This will be a closely contested match between two sides who have been inconsistent this season. A low-scoring draw is expected in this match.
