Al Khaleej and Damac eye improvement, capital cracker in store

Matchweek 6 of the 2024-25 Roshn Saudi League continues on Friday with Al Khaleej and Damac out to get their seasons back on track, and a super showdown playing out in the capital.

Here we preview what’s in store.

Al Khaleej v Al Kholood

Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Stadium, Dammam - KICK-OFF 18:00 

Searching for a first RSL victory since the opening day, Al Khaleej welcome league debutants Al Kholood to Dammam with intentions of flipping the form book.

Georgios Donis’ side began the season with a 1-0 success at Damac but have since failed to win any of their next five games. Four of those have been defeats, the nadir being the extra-time King’s Cup exit to Al Tai of the First Division League.

Perhaps Al Khaleej will view the visit of Al Kholood as an opportune time to right the ship, given the RSL first-timers have also one victory from six matches this campaign (including elimination from the King’s Cup, also).

However, Paulo Duarte’s men were incredibly lucky to lose in the opening round to a star-studded Al Ittihad – Hossem Aouar’s injury-time goal proved decisive – while they have faced an in-form Al Shabab and, last time out, record-breaking champions Al Hilal.

Yet, something that may be in their favour this Friday: Al Khaleej have not won in their past 10 home matches in the RSL (D4, L6), equalling their longest winless streak on their own patch (D3, L7) - and currently the longest in the competition.

Get your tickets for Al Khaleej v Al Kholood HERE 

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Al Riyadh v Al Qadsiah

Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium, Riyadh - KICK-OFF 18:15 

Friday’s middle fixture sees a dangerous Al Riyadh entertain ambitious new boys Al Qadsiah in the capital, with plenty to play for, even at this early stage of the season.

Sabri Lamouchi has been something of an instant hit with the hosts, the French manager guiding his latest club to three wins and a draw from his first six matches – a run that includes clinching a spot in the King’s Cup last 16.

However, the 2-0 defeat at previously winless Al Fayha in Matchweek 5 knocked the progress a little, so Al Qadsiah should perhaps expect an even tougher test than they initially would have anticipated.

For that, they will be pleased summer signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has found his scoring boots; the former Arsenal and Barcelona striker has netted in his past two appearances. The penalty that sealed a statement 1-0 win last time out against Al Ahli opened the Gabon forward’s RSL account.

It also got Al Qadsiah back to winning ways in the top flight following a defeat and draw in their previous two matches. The newly promoted side sit fifth in the table at the moment. It has, though, been more than a year since Al Riyadh lost two successive RSL games at home - champions Al Hilal won there in Matchweek 3 - so will they keep that streak going?

Get your tickets for Al Riyadh v Al Qadsiah HERE

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Damac v Al Shabab

Damac Club Stadium, Khamis Mushait - KICK-OFF 21:00 

The Friday action rounds off in Khamis Mushait, where Damac will be doing everything to turn around their fortunes. Cosmin Contra’s team lie second from bottom with one win and four defeats from their opening five RSL matches (and an exit from the King’s Cup, too).

They can take some solace from the fact that single victory came at home - the 3-1 success against Al Okhdood in Matchweek 3 - and even in that two of their reverses came away to members of the traditional “Big Four” in Al Hilal and Al Ahli. In both games, Damac scored twice.

Still, there is no let-up in the RSL, especially in the shape of an in-form Al Shabab who are eyeing challenging at the other end of the standings. Vitor Pereira’s side have rebounded spectacularly from a narrow opening defeat to Al Ettifaq, reeling off five wins on the spin – including four in the RSL.

For this game, they will hope to welcome back Abderrazak Hamdallah, the second-highest scorer in RSL history. Having got off the mark for his new club in Matchweek 4, the summer recruit notched anther two goals in the King’s Cup triumph at Al Kholood, but then sat out Sunday’s 2-1 victory against Al Raed.

Interestingly, Al Shabab have never lost against Damac in the RSL (7 W, 3D). Hamdallah could be crucial to the capital outfit maintaining blemish free against the southern side.

Get your tickets for Damac v Al Shabab HERE