PREVIEW: Roshn Saudi League Matchweek 32

The title may be settled, but another huge weekend of Roshn Saudi League action is upon us, with second-placed Al Nassr hosting champions Al Hilal in the Riyadh derby.

With the championship decided, much of the focus will turn to the battle to stay in the RSL. Al Tai will be eyeing a win against Al Fateh in the opening game of the matchweek, while relegation rivals Al Okhdood and Abha have tricky away visits to Al Ettifaq and Al Ahli, respectively.

Al Tai vs Al Fateh

Key Stat

Al Tai have won all five of their encounters against Al Fateh in the RSL, with an aggregate score of 8-3. They are the only team that Al Tai have faced more than three times in the competition and won every single encounter.

Players to watch

Virgil Misidjan - Al Tai: The Dutch striker has not scored in the RSL since March 30, and that was in a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Al Nassr. Misidjan has shown his quality in dead-ball delivery in recent weeks and that could indeed be the difference in Al Tai beating the drop this season.

Cristian Tello - Al Fateh: The Spaniard has been a key component in the Al Fateh attack this season, but perhaps surprisingly, has only 10 RSL goals to his name. His relationship with Lucas Zelarayan has been vital in pushing the side from Al Ahsa up the standings – Al Fateh may again look to that tandem against Al Tai.

Did you know? 

Al Fateh have not won any of their past three away matches in the RSL (D1 L2) - their longest winless streak away since September-November 2021 (5 matches – D2 L3).

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Al Wehda vs Al Raed

Key Stat

Al Raed have suffered 15 defeats in the RSL this season, equalling their highest tally in a single season, set in the 2008-2009 campaign.

Players to Watch

Odion Ighalo - Al Wehda: The Nigerian marked his 100th appearance in style last weekend with a match-winning brace against Al Khaleej. Interestingly, Ighalo has never scored against Al Raed in the RSL. Will that record change on Thursday evening?

Julio Tavares - Al Raed: The veteran attacker enjoys playing against Al Wehda and has been involved in four goals during his visits to the Mecca-based side (3 goals, 1 assist). Al Raed need a few more points to confirm survival, and the Cape Verdean might just be the man to deliver the goods.

Did you know?

Al Raed have not secured more RSL victories against any other team than they have against Al Wehda, with 10 wins.

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Al Khaleej vs Al Ittihad

Key Stat

Al Ittihad have not lost in nine RSL matches against Al Khaleej (W7 D2) and remain unbeaten in all 11 encounters across all competitions in the professional era (W8 D3). They have scored in all nine RSL matches against Al Khaleej, netting a total of 22 goals.

Players to Watch

Khaled Narey - Al Khaleej: The side from Saihat have not tasted victory in their past six games in all competitions. Narey, though, was integral the last time Al Khaleej put together a winning run in the RSL, and the Togo international needs to step up once more to end the season on a high.

N’Golo Kante - Al Ittihad: It seems like the season is ending in a whimper for the Tigers. French midfielder Kante showed his experience against Al Ettifaq, but it wasn't enough to halt a 5-0 defeat. The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner’s leadership will be key if the Jeddah club are to halt a four-game losing streak in all competitions.

Did you know

Since Marcelo Gallardo took over as coach on November 24, only Abha (52) and Al Hazem (40) have conceded more goals than Al Ittihad (36).

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Damac vs Al Fayha

Key Stat

Damac remain unbeaten against Al Fayha in the RSL (W4, D3) - the only team they have faced more than twice without defeat. Conversely, Al Fayha have not won against Damac in the league.

Players to watch

Moustapha Zeghba - Damac: The Algerian international goalkeeper came up with a huge penalty save last weekend to help his side to a point against local rivals Abha. Another clean sheet should go some way to helping Damac end the season on a positive note.

Abdelhamid Sabiri - Al Fayha: The Moroccan scored a fine goal in the draw with Al Fateh last weekend. The former Fiorentina man has been thriving dropping a little deeper in recent weeks and his creative passing will be needed if Al Fayha are to break down a stubborn Damac backline.

Did you know?

Fashion Sakala has scored in his past five league appearances for Al Fayha, becoming the first player to find the net for the team in five consecutive RSL matches.

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Al Ettifaq vs Al Okhdood

Key Stat

Al Okhdood have the lowest points tally after falling behind in the RSL this season (only one point). In contrast, Al Ettifaq have collected 15 points after trailing in matches - their highest total in a single campaign.

Players to watch

Karl Toko Ekambi - Al Ettifaq:  With a hat-trick last weekend, the Cameroonian striker became only the fourth player to score a treble for the club in the RSL. Winter signing Ekambi has struck six goals for Al Ettifaq, surpassing his tally with Abha this season (5). He also found the net against Al Okhdood in the first round of fixtures; don’t be surprised if he repeats the feat again.

Leandre Tawamba - Al Okhdood: The veteran enjoys playing against Al Ettifaq, with seven goals against the Dammam side. Interestingly, Tawamba scored all seven in the first six matches against them, but he hasn’t hit the net in his past four meetings with Al Ettifaq. Could that all change on Friday night?

Did you know?

This will be only the second encounter between Al Ettifaq and Al Okhdood in the RSL. In their first match, Al Okhdood secured a 1-0 victory, with the lone goal coming from a single shot on target.

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Al Nassr vs Al Hilal

Key Stat

Al Hilal are currently on a 33-match unbeaten streak in the RSL (W31, D2) - the third-longest undefeated run in the league’s history. Also, avoiding defeat in this match would equal the second-longest streak, achieved by Al Shabab between April 2011 and August 2012 (34 matches).

Players to watch

Cristiano Ronaldo - Al Nassr: The league title race might be over, but the Portuguese star will be demanding his side gain some bragging rights by handing Al Hilal their first defeat of the campaign. Ronaldo saw red the last time the two met in the Saudi Super Cup, and the enigmatic No.7 will need to keep his composure if Al Nassr are to beat their Riyadh rivals. 

Ali Al Bulayhi - Al Hilal: Champions at a canter, but Al Hilal still have plenty to play for in the final few games as they eye an undefeated campaign. Veteran defender Al Bulayhi relishes these big-game encounters, and the Saudi Arabia international will have to be at his very best if Al Hilal are to get the better of Ronaldo and Co.

Did you know?

Al Hilal are one of the three teams Cristiano Ronaldo has not scored against in the RSL. The Portuguese star has attempted seven shots in two matches against Al Hilal, but only one has been on target.

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Al Hazem vs Al Riyadh

Key Stat

This will be only the second encounter between Al Hazem and Al Riyadh in the RSL after their first match this season ended in a goalless draw. Al Hazem are aiming to secure points against Al Riyadh in both matches this season - a feat they have achieved against only Al Khaleej so far in the competition (D2).

Players to watch

FaIz Selemani - Al Hazem: It’s do or die now for the side from Ar Rass, who realistically need to win all three of their final matches to have any hope of staying in the RSL. Selemani grabbed a goal last time out in the 4-1 defeat to Al Hilal. It’s time for the Comoros international striker to fire them towards safety.

Martin Campana - Al Riyadh: The Uruguayan goalkeeper has the highest save percentage against Al Hazem (88%) among teams he has faced at least three times in the RSL. He made eight saves in the first-round match - his highest number of saves in a single match this season.

Did you know?

If Al Hazem lose this match, they will be officially relegated from the RSL. In that case, they would equal Al Wehda as the team with the most relegations to the first division in the league’s history (four).

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Al Taawoun vs Al Shabab

Key Stat

Al Taawoun have achieved more victories against Al Shabab than any other team in the league (12). They have also scored the highest number of goals against a specific RSL opponent when facing Al Shabab (44 goals), equalling their record against Al Ittihad.

Players to watch

Mohammed Al Kuwaykibi - Al Taawoun: The Saudi Arabian winger has been in fine form in recent weeks, contributing to five out of the past seven goals for Al Taawoun in the RSL (2 goals and 3 assists). More of the same will be needed from the Al Ettifaq loanee if Al Taawoun are to wrap up a top-four finish this season.

Iago Santos - Al Shabab: With club captain Romain Saiss absent through suspension, much of the defensive responsibility will fall on the Brazilian defender. Santos had previously enjoyed two seasons at Al Taawoun and so will be targeting a clean sheet against his former side.

Did you know?

Al Taawoun have won only one home match against Riyadh-based teams in their past 10 encounters in the RSL (D2, L7).

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Al Ahli vs Abha

Key Stat

Al Ahli have not lost a home match against Abha in the RSL (W3, D1), scoring an average of 2.3 goals per match.

Players to watch

Franck Kessie - Al Ahli: The Ivorian international scored a fine goal last weekend to help his side come away with a 2-1 win against Al Shabab. Kessie has nine goals in the RSL and will be targeting double figures against an Abha side fighting for survival.

Fabian Noguera - Abha: After picking up a clean sheet in the Asir derby, Argentine defender Noguera will be wanting more of the same against Al Ahli. It’s more than likely Abha will concede plenty of possession to their opponents, so Noguera’s presence at set-pieces could be vital if Abha are to grab a huge win.

Did you know?

Pitso Mosimane faces his former employers for the first time. The South African manager has the highest win percentage among the four coaches who led Abha in the current RSL season (33.33%). He also has the highest points-per-match average for the team this season (1.25 points per match) - the highest in Abha’s coaching history among managers in at least 5 matches in the competition.