Al Qadsiah bid to keep rolling, new boys and old rivals meet

Matchweek 3 comes to a close on Sunday, with three sure-to-be exciting clashes playing out across the Kingdom.

We take a dive into the games, which feature a storied contest billed “The Old Derby”.

Al Qadsiah v Al Shabab

Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Stadium, Dammam - KICK-OFF 18:20 

Having made considerable noise since sealing their return to the RSL, Al Qadsiah will be intent on making it three wins from three in Sunday’s opening match. The new promoted side saw off Al Fateh 3-0 in Matchweek 1, then squeezed past Al Raed 1-0 last time out, thanks to Turki Al Ammar’s 70th-minute goal.

That game represented Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s competitive debut, with the former Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal and Barcelona forward certain to be hungry now for a first RSL goal. The Gabon international has no shortage of potent partners in the final third, with Mexico counterpart Julian Quinones bagging a brace in the opening round.

Saying that, Al Shabab can finally call upon as sure a guaranteed goalscorer as you can get in the RSL. Abderrazak Hamdallah, second on the competition's all-time list, seems ready for his bow following his summer move from Al Ittihad. The three-time golden boot winner sat out the first two matchweeks.

Although, Al Qadsiah might well be extra motivated for another three points: take the victory, and the club racks up their 50th win in the Saudi top flight.

Get your tickets for Al Qadsiah v Al Shabab HERE 

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Al Kholood v Al Orobah

Al Hazem Club Stadium, Al Rass - KICK-OFF 18:50 

The season’s first encounter between two of the three newly promoted sides will play out in Al Rass, with both Al Kholood and Al Orobah searching for a first win. In fact, the hosts are seeking for their inaugural victory in the RSL given this marks their debut campaign in the competition.

Paulo Duarte’s men were unfortunate to not get a point in Matchweek 1, when they pushed Al Ittihad all the way before Houssem Aouar’s injury-time intervention secured the visitors a 1-0 win. Yet the 3-1 defeat at Al Raed next time out was more conclusive.

Al Orobah, meanwhile, have not been handed the easiest of starts with three away matches, the first two coming against Al Ahli (2-0) and Al Wehda (2-1). However, manager Alvaro Pacheco has several new additions to the squad, most notably former Chelsea and West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma and last season’s lead scorer in the Welsh top tier, Brad Young (the latter is unavailable for this game).

It’s Al Orobah who maybe have more of a point to prove; they’ve failed to win their past 15 away matches in the main division.

Get your tickets for Al Kholood v Al Orobah HERE

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Al Ittihad v Al Wehda

King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah - KICK-OFF 21:00 

The oldest rivalry in Saudi football, dating back almost three quarters of a century, rounds off Matchweek 3, when Al Ittihad take on Al Wehda at what’s sure to be a packed King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.

Two wins from two – albeit both coming in injury-time – has provided manager Laurent Blanc with a strong start to life at Al Ittihad, who are stacked with some serious talent, especially after a summer spending spree. Expect the likes of Steven Bergwijn, Danilo Pereira and Mario Mitaj to be handed debuts.

For their part, Al Wehda were not quite as active in the market, but they still did what appears astute business. Midfielders Alexandru Cretu and Juninho Bacuna, and Iraq forward Youssef Amyn, featured in the 2-1 win against Al Orobah last time out, a result that, coupled with the 3-3 draw with Al Riyadh in Matchweek 1, maintains Al Wehda’s unbeaten start.

The visitors on Sunday will need all the help they can get, though, as they bid to break an unwelcome run that comprises six successive RSL defeats to their long-standing rivals.

Get your tickets for Al Ittihad v Al Wehda HERE