Al-Ahli will look to continue their impressive start to the Saudi Pro League season when they travel to face Al Khaleej, who are already searching for answers after a difficult opening defeat.
Al Khaleej suffered a frustrating 3-1 loss against Al Fayha despite dominating possession and creating several chances. Former Fashion Sakala scored against them, while Hisham Al Dubais grabbed a late consolation goal that came too late to spark a comeback.
The Saihat-based side narrowly escaped relegation last season and once again appear set for a difficult campaign under Pedro Emanuel, especially against stronger teams filled with world-class talent.
Al-Ahli, meanwhile, arrive full of confidence after their exciting start to the season. The Jeddah giants defeated Al Hazem 3-1 in their opener, with Roberto Firmino scoring a stunning hat-trick to announce himself in style.
They’ve also posted on their x handle series of trainings ahead of this game.
They also recently stunned Al Nassr 3-2 in a dramatic clash inspired by Ivan Toney, while Toney also delivered a hat-trick in Al-Ahli’s commanding 3-1 statement victory over Al-Fateh.
Team news
Al Khaleej are expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation despite their opening defeat, with Abdulla Al Salem set to continue leading the attack for the home side. Portuguese duo Fabio Martins and Ivo Rodrigues are expected to provide creativity and support in the final third, while South Korea international Jung Woo-young should anchor the midfield once again.
For Al-Ahli, manager Matthias Jaissle is unlikely to make major changes after the impressive opening-week victory. Roberto Firmino is expected to spearhead the attack after his hat-trick performance, with Riyad Mahrez and Allan Saint-Maximin operating in the attacking positions behind him.
Franck Kessie should continue in midfield alongside Aljohani, while Roger Ibanez and Edouard Mendy are both expected to keep their places in defence and goal respectively.
Possible lineups
Al Khaleej possible lineup: Sehic; Al-Owdah, Al-Shanqiti, Lopez, Rebocho; Jung, Al-Sumairi; Al Abdan, Rodrigues, Martins; Al Salem.
Al-Ahli possible lineup: Mendy; Majrashi, Ibanez, Hindi, Alioski; Aljohani, Kessie; Mahrez, Boudebouz, Saint-Maximin; Firmino.
How to watch
| Match | Al Khaleej vs Al-Ahli |
|---|---|
| Competition | Saudi Pro League |
| Date | Thursday |
| Venue | Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium |
| Time | 7PM WAT |
| How to Watch | SSC Sports, Shahid |
Prediction
Softfootball believes Al-Ahli’s attacking quality and experience should simply be too much for Al Khaleej to handle over 90 minutes.
The outlet also believes the combination of Firmino, Mahrez and Saint-Maximin could dominate the game if Al Khaleej leave spaces defensively.
Prediction: Al Khaleej 0-2 Al-Ahli.
