A potentially decisive week at both ends of the table. League leaders Al Hilal can claim the Roshn Saudi League title with just a point against bottom side Al Hazem. Al Raed will host Al Tai in what could be a crucial game in the relegation battle. While we also have the small issue of the Asir derby as Abha host local rivals Damac.
Al Riyadh vs Al Taawoun
Key Stat
Al Riyadh have never lost at home against Buraidah clubs in the top flight, boasting six wins and four draws, with their biggest league victory being a 7-1 thrashing of Al Taawoun at home in February 1998.
Players to watch
Ibrahim Ndong - Al Riyadh: The Gabonese midfielder came up with a vital 94th minute header to hand his side an important point away at Al Fateh last time out. Al Riyadh have not tasted defeat in their last two RSL outings and the efforts of Ndong will be vital if they are to keep out Al Taawoun.
Flavio - Al Taawoun: Wolves boss Pericles Chamusca decided to play with five at the back for the visit of Al Hilal, but the gamble didn't pay off as his side lost 3-0. Flavio was trusted in midfield, and did not disappoint putting in a shift for his side. The Brazilian has an eye for a spectacular long-shot and that could prove to be a difference maker on Thursday evening.
Did you know?
Al Taawoun have not lost in their last eight away games in the RSL (W4 D4), this is their second-longest streak in their competition history after a 10 game run between February and October 2022 (W5 D5).
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Al Fayha vs Al Fateh
Key Stat
Al Fateh have dropped the most points after taking the lead in this season’s RSL (21), including five points in the last two rounds.
Players to Watch
Sultan Mandash - Al Fayha: The Saudi Arabian winger has looked lively and bagged the winner against Al Tai just two weeks ago. The 29-year old is starting to get some regular game time and will be looking to add to his tally of just two RSL goals this campaign.
Mukhtar Ali - Al Fateh: The Saudi Arabian international came up with an audacious half-way line shot that smashed the crossbar as his side dropped points against Al Riyadh last weekend. The Al Nassr loanee has caught the eye in recent weeks and could be a decisive presence as Al Fateh look to pick up their first win since the 18th of April.
Did you know?
Al Fateh have lost their last two away RSL matches (1-2 against Abha and 1-3 against Al Hilal), and haven’t lost three consecutive away matches in the competition since October-November 2021 under Yannick Ferrera’s management.
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Al Okhdood vs Al Nassr
Key Stat
Al Nassr have won their last seven away RSL games. Only between November 2013 and February 2014 have they achieved a longer streak of consecutive away wins which was eight.
Players to Watch
Sadio Mane - Al Nassr: The Senegal international came up with a goal and a fine assist to help his side to a 6-0 win against Al Wehda last weekend. 13 goals and 8 assists in 28 league starts represents a fine return from the former Liverpool attacker, who will be looking to add a few more goal involvements to his tally against a struggling Al Okhdood side.
Álex Collado - Al Okhdood: Can the side from Narjan beat the drop? Right now they sit in 15th place just out of the relegation places on goal difference. Fellow strugglers Abha registered a shock victory against Al Ittihad last weekend, and the creativity of the former La Masia graduate will be needed if Al Okhdood are to achieve a similar feat against Al Nassr.
Did you know?
Al Okhdood have collected four points in their last two RSL matches (4-0 against Abha and 0-0 against Al Hazem), equal to what they had amassed in the previous nine matches (W1 D1 L7).
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Abha vs Damac
Key stat
Damac boast the most RSL victories against Abha (six) and have scored the most goals against them (22 goals). Damac have never failed to score against Abha in the competition, averaging 2.4 goals per match, the highest goal rate against any team in the league.
Players to watch
Hassan Al Ali - Abha: The tricky winger came up with a fine breakaway goal to help his side to a important 3-1 win against Al Ittihad last weekend. Abha boss Pitso Mosimane may elect to defend deep and set up on the counter again, and the pace of Al Ali could be vital in getting all three points against Damac.
Georges-Kevin N'Koudou - Damac: With no goals in his last nine RSL outings, the Cameroonian international has slowed down from his rapid start to life in the Kingdom. The former Tottenham man was on fire the last time the two sides met, providing an assist and bagging a hat-trick. Can he step up again in the derby?
Did you know?
Pitso Mosimane is looking to become the third coach to win his first derby with Abha in the Pro League, following in the footsteps of Abdelrazek Chebbi in 2019 and Raul Comanescu in 2023.
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Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq
Key Stat
Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq has witnessed the most own goals in RSL history (seven goals – four for Al Ittihad and three for Al Ettifaq).
Players to Watch
Romarinho: Al Ittihad - The Brazilian enjoys playing against Al Ettifaq and has contributed to six goals in 10 encounters with the Dammam based side in the RSL (three goals and three assists). Four of these contributions occurred in the last three matches (three goals and one assist).
Jack Hendry: Al Ettifaq - The Scottish international has covered the most distance in the RSL this season (8,141 metres) and is the first name on Steven Gerrard’s team sheet indeed, the defender is the only outfield player (excluding goalkeepers) to have played every minute this season.
Did you know?
For the fourth time in their history, Al Ittihad have lost 10 or more matches in a single RSL season. This is the first time since the 2019-2020 season. Only Al Fateh in the 2013-2014 season suffered more defeats as a title-holding team in a single season (12).
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Al Khaleej vs Al Wehda
Key Stat
Al Khaleej have achieved nine wins in this season’s league, matching their highest number of wins in a single season (achieved last season).
Players to watch
Pedro Rebocho - Al Khaleej: The 29-year old has an adept delivery from a corner, and this could prove to be a difference maker for the side from Saihat. The Portuguese left-back was constantly picking out defensive partner Lisandro Lopez last weekend and might be vital in his team picking up a club record 10th victory in the RSL.
Odion Ighalo - Al Wehda: The Nigerian attacker is set to play in his 100th RSL game this weekend. To date, Igahlo has contributed to 74 goals in 99 matches (64 goals and 10 assists). The Al Wehda frontman also enjoys playing against Al Khaleej and has contributed seven goals in three matches against them in the competition (six goals and one assist), including a hat-trick in their encounter this season.
Did you know?
Al Wehda have accumulated the fewest points in the league after the AFC Asian Cup (seven points, tied with Al Hazem). They have lost 11 away matches this season, which is their highest number of away defeats in a single season in the competition.
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Al Raed vs Al Tai
Key Stat
Al Tai has the upper hand against Al Raed in their RSL notching up two wins for Al Tai, one win for Al Raed, and two draws. Notably, Al Tai scored three goals in injury time during their first-round match, recording the latest goal in their league history (99:50).
Players to watch
Andre Moreira - Al Raed: The Portuguese goalkeeper has been a consistent presence at the back for Al Raed, and will need to be at his composed best to keep out Al Tai and ensure that his side edges closer to safety.
Rakan Al Shamlan - Al Tai: Fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table, every point matters for Al Tai as we head into the business end of the season. Al Shamlan found the back of the net last time out against Al Khaleej, only to be denied by the offside flag. Time for the Saudi Arabian attacker to stand up and make the difference.
Did you know?
Al Raed has suffered 15 defeats in this season’s league, which equals their highest number of losses in a single season. This campaign, Al Raed has lost eight home matches, which is their highest number of home defeats in a single season in the competition.
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Al Hilal vs Al Hazem
Key Stat
In the first-round match this season, Al Hilal achieved their largest victory in the league’s history, winning 9-0. They also attempted the highest number of shots on target during that match
Players to watch
Malcom - Al Hilal: An assist and a memorable solo goal from the Brazilian against Al Ahli has put Al Hilal on the brink of winning the RSL title. The former Barcelona attacker will be looking to get the job done in style against bottom side Al Hilal on Saturday evening.
Muhammed Badamosi - Al Hazem: The Gambian has looked lively in recent weeks and has been key in helping the side from Ar Rass picking up four points form their last two RSL outings. Could the big striker throw a spanner in the works of the Al Hilal title party?
Did you know?
Al Hilal has won their last six matches against newly promoted teams in the league, with an aggregate score of 27-3. They have achieved 59 wins against such teams in the competition and aim to become the first team to reach 60 wins against them.
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Al Shabab vs Al Ahli
Key Stat
Al Shabab has the highest percentage of goals in the second half this season (76%). Their last nine goals were scored during this period.
Players to watch
Carlos Junior - Al Shabab: The Brazilian has been crucial in Al Shabab’s upturn in fortunes scoring three goals in his last three outings in the RSL. Interestingly, he has not scored against Al Ahli in their previous two matches and attempted the fewest shots against any opponent in the competition (only one shot). Could that change on Saturday night?
Franck Kessie - Al Ahli: After stumbling in the final minutes against Al Hilal, Al Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle will be demanding a big reaction. Kessie will need to be at his dominant best in midfield if his side are to come away from Riyadh with all three points.
Did you know?
Al Shabab are in fine form and have won their last three home matches in the league, but their longest winning streak at home was five matches between August and December 2022.
