New faces to make mark, Toney eyes huge debut clash

The 2024-25 Roshn Saudi League whips back into action this week – finally – following an international break that seemed to last a lot longer than two weeks.

With the transfer window closing during the hiatus, there’s a number of new names and remoulded rosters that only add to the excitement ahead of Matchweek 3, which kicks off on Friday. Here we preview the first three fixtures of the round.

Al Taawoun v Al Khaleej

Al Taawoun Club Stadium, Buraidah - KICK-OFF 18:50 

Rodolfo Arruabarrena can feel somewhat aggrieved to have only three points instead of four from his opening two RSL matches, given Al Taawoun looked set to take a point from Al Ittihad on Matchweek 2. However, Houssem Aouar’s 98th-minute penalty consigned the visitors to a first defeat - it finished 2-1 at King Abdullah Sports City - under their new manager.

On Friday, the Argentine could give debuts to late-window signings Renne Rivas, Hattan Bahebri and Lucas Chavez, with the latter coming into the game having represented Bolivia earlier this week.

As for Al Khaleej, they too are getting used to a new voice in the dugout, with Georgios Donis the man at the helm now. The former Al Fateh and Al Wehda manager got off to a dream start, with victory at Damac on Matchweek 1, but lost by the same scoreline last time out at home to Al Shabab.

For his most recent reinforcements, Donis has looked to a market he knows well: he has signed fellow Greeks Kostas Fortounis and Dimitrios Kourbelis to bolster the team's midfield. Interestingly, Al Taawoun have never beaten Al Khaleej at home in the RSL, in five attempts. Can they break that streak?

Get your tickets for Al Taawoun v Al Khaleej HERE 

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Damac v Al Okhdood

Damac Club Stadium, Khamis Mushait - KICK-OFF 18:50 

Friday’s other earlier kick-off sees two sides still searching for their first points of the campaign. Damac opened with that narrow defeat to Al Khaleej but were incredibly unfortunate not to take something from RSL champions Al Hilal in Matchweek 2. The visitors threatened to become the first team to defeat Jorge Jesus’ side in the league since May last year, as they led 2-1 until the 73rd minute - only for Al Hilal to eke out the 3-2 win.

Al Okhdood, meanwhile, were dispatched 3-0 by Al Hilal in Matchweek 1, but could take positives in their next outing despite the 1-0 defeat at Al Ettifaq. It means new manager Stjepan Tomas waits still for his first point with the club.

However, some last-gasp business in the transfer window has especially boosted the Croatian’s attacking options, with Mali forward Ibrahima Kone and Cameroon striker Christian Bassogog coming in. Could this be the match where Al Okhdood finally get on the scoresheet, against a Damac team who haven’t won in eight RSL outings?

Get your tickets for Damac v Al Okhdood HERE

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Al Nassr v Al Ahli

Al Awwal Park, Riyadh - KICK-OFF 21:00 

One of the calendar’s most anticipated matches rounds off Friday’s schedule, where Al Nassr host fellow title contenders Al Ahli. For the Riyadh club, they will hope Cristiano Ronaldo continues his fine start to the season; the Al Nassr captain has scored in both RSL games this campaign, then did likewise for Portugal during the FIFA break to reach another major milestone.

Having dropped two points in Matchweek 1, Al Nassr bounced back straight away with an emphatic 4-1 win at Al Fayha. They have also replenished their ranks since, bringing in Wesley Texeira, Mohamed Simakan and Angelo Gabriel.

In contrast, Al Ahli were not quite as active, but they did complete one of the most high-profile deals of the summer in the final week. What better way, then, for England international Ivan Toney to introduce himself to the RSL with a match-winning debut display following his move from Brentford?

Toney’s presence will certainly be welcome as Al Ahli seek to get back to winning ways following a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Al Fateh in Matchweek 2. Given the game features the teams with the most shots across the first two rounds of the season (Al Nassr 47, Al Ahli 33), this should 100 percent live up to its billing.

Get your tickets for Al Nassr v Al Ahli HERE