Get a preview of the exciting match of Al Khaleej vs Al-Ahli. Check out the match details, team news, and our prediction.
As the Saudi Pro League unfolds, Al-Ahli sets their sights on a second straight victory as they journey to the Prince Mohammad bin Fahd Stadium to take on Al Khaleej. Roberto Firmino’s stunning hat-trick initiated Al-Ahli’s campaign with a triumphant 3-1 win over Al Hazem. In contrast, Al Khaleej suffered a parallel fate, succumbing to a 3-1 defeat against Al Fayah on the opening weekend.
Al Khaleej vs Al-Ahli Match Preview
Al Khaleej dominated their first match with 16 shots and 67% possession but failed to capitalize on their advantage, falling short against Al Fayah with a 3-1 loss. Former Rangers forward Fashion Sakala found the net for the hosts, and Hisham Al Dubais secured a late consolation goal for Al Khaleej, albeit too late to spark a comeback.
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Recalling their performance from the previous season, it’s important to note that Al Khaleej narrowly avoided relegation, finishing just one spot above the drop zone, having lost 17 out of their 30 matches in the 2022-23 campaign.
Managed by former Porto defender Pedro Emanuel, Al Khaleej lacks the marquee names that many of their competitors boast. This could result in another challenging season for the Saihat-based team in the Saudi Pro League.
Conversely, Al-Ahli boasts a star-studded squad including Riyad Mahrez, Franck Kessie, Edouard Mendy, Allan Saint-Maximin, Roger Ibanez, and Roberto Firmino.
In their opening fixture, ex-Liverpool forward Firmino singlehandedly secured a 3-1 win against Al Hazem, quickly making his mark in the league. After experiencing an unexpected relegation in 2021-22, the 2015-16 Saudi Pro League champions made a swift comeback to the top tier last season, losing just four out of 34 matches to secure the second-tier title.
Under the guidance of former Red Bull Salzburg boss Matthias Jaissle, who led his previous club to successive Austrian Bundesliga titles, Al-Ahli is poised to be a strong contender as the title race intensifies toward the end of the season.
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Al Khaleej vs Al-Ahli Team News
Al Khaleej is anticipated to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, with 30-year-old forward Abdulla Al Salem spearheading the attack. Portuguese duo Fabio Martins and Ivo Rodrigues will provide attacking support, while South Korea international Jung Woo-young is set to anchor the midfield.
For Al-Ahli, Jaissle is likely to maintain continuity in the lineup that secured victory over Al Hazem, with the likes of Firmino, Mahrez, Saint-Maximin, Kessie, Ibanez, and Mendy expected to start. Ex-Leeds United defender Ezgjan Alioski is poised to take the left-back position, while Saudi Arabia international Ali Majrashi is anticipated to operate on the right flank.
Possible Starting Lineups
Al Khaleej: Sehic; Al-Owdah, Al-Shanqiti, Lopez, Rebocho; Jung, Al-Sumairi; Al Abdan, Rodrigues, Martins; Al Salem
Al-Ahli: Mendy; Majrashi, Ibanez, Hindi, Alioski; Aljohani, Kessie; Mahrez, Boudebouz, Saint-Maximin; Firmino
Al Khaleej vs Al-Ahli Prediction
We predict a final score of Al Khaleej 0-2 Al-Ahli. The attacking prowess of Al-Ahli is likely to overpower Al Khaleej, with Firmino, Mahrez, and Saint-Maximin expected to pose significant threats to the hosts’ defense.
There is more different information on Germany betting exchange.