The Saudi Pro League continues to gather momentum while attracting fans all over the world. Cath Week 8’s previews and tips here.
Friday 29 September
Al-Fayha 9/2 | Draw 3/1 | Al-Ittihad 12/25
Al-Fayha is up to ninth place after they cruised to victory in their 3-1 triumph over Al-Riyadh. This win ends “Al Burtuqali’s” four game winless streak and as they have ambitions of challenging on the top end of the standings, they will need to be at their very best when they go up against Al-Ittihad.
Current champions Al-Ittihad went back to the top of the log standings after a narrow 2-1 victory previously against seventh place Al-Fateh. The Jeddah-based side have been exceptionally good away from home this term and have a 100 percent record thus far, scoring 11 goals without conceding. Al-Ittihad will be too strong on the day, back the away win.
Al-Tai 11/1 | Draw 6/1 | Al-Nassr 1/7
Al-Tai are plagued with defensive issues and conceded in extra time in their previous match, losing 4-3 to Al-Ittifaq. This will be a huge test for “Faris Al Shamal” to bounce back to winning ways but need to remain positive and determined to change their fortunes and achieve a more favorable outcome.
After two defeats in the opening two games, Al-Nassr have won their last five consecutive league matches and are now in fifth place, just three points behind leaders Al-Ittihad. With Ronaldo scoring for fun, grabbing nine goals in seven league games, Al-Nassr is on fire. The form Al-Nassr is in at the moment will be too tough for Al-Tai to handle, Al-Nassr for the win.
Al-Hazm 10/3 | Draw 14/5 | Al-Taawon 5/8
Al-Hazm is the worst performing team after seven games played, picking up three draws, four losses and yet to taste victory. Facing Al-Taawon after a heavy defeat is not the ideal situation to be in and will need to find inspiration to give off a good performance on home soil.
Al-Taawon are performing at a very high level and sit in third place with 16 points after seven games and two points behind early league leaders Al-Ittihad. Two first half goals in their previous match were enough to secure victory and will be on the hunt to pick up their sixth victory of the season. Back the away win with over 2.5 goals.
Al-Hilal 1/4 | Draw 9/2 | Al-Shabab 15/2
Neymar is still looking for his first goal in Saudi Arabia as Al-Hilal were held to a 1-1 draw with lowly Damac last time out. The Riyadh giants still the only team yet to taste defeat this season and will want to get back to winning ways after a second successive draw.
Al-Shabab are slowly growing in confidence after a dismal start to the new campaign and come into this massive encounter on the back of two consecutive victories. A good game plan will be required for the White Lions as they look to upset the 18-time Pro League champions. A tough fixture for Al-Shabab, especially away from home, back Al-Hilal for the win.
Saturday 30 September
Abha 17/20 | Draw 5/2 | Al-Riyadh 13/5
Abha have lost their way in recent weeks and were demolished in their previous outing, losing 4-0 away to Al-Wehda. With a third loss in a row, the confidence of the players will be at an extreme low coming into this fixture but must fight for victory in order to restore their confidence and belief.
Al-Riyadh are in devastating form and are now winless in five matches played after losing 3-1 at home to Al-Fayha. Despite controlling the game, the Riyadh-based side struggle to convert their chances and will need a more improved performance if they look to pick up maximum points. Both teams are in bad form, I see a low scoring game but back the home team for the win.
Al-Fateh 1/1 | Draw 5/2 | Al-Wehda 2/1
Al-Wehda put on a dominant performance in front of their home crowd last time out when they smashed Abha 4-0. This is their second win on the bounce and with Nigerian forward Odion Ighalo in red hot form, he will relish the opportunity to add to his four goals in two games.
Al-Fateh’s two game winning streak came to an end after a disappointing 2-1 loss to Al-Ittihad. Al-Fateh has maintained a consistent scoring record throughout this season, making them a formidable opponent. Slaven Bilic will want a win here to restore their confidence and regain their momentum. This is an exciting encounter and could go either way, but I back the away win.
Al-Raed 21/20 | Draw 12/5 | Al-Akhdoud 2/1
Al-Raed’s struggles continue after a 2-1 loss in their latest league fixture. This is a great opportunity for Igor Jovićević to put on a show in front of their home fans and play on the front foot with the hopes of picking up maximum points and a second victory of the campaign.
Al-Akhdoud hovers above the relegation zone with four points after seven games. They are now one win in five matches and face a huge dilemma in the attacking department as they have managed to score just a single goal across all five fixtures. A striking masterclass will be required to pick maximum points on the day. Both teams are in bad form and desperate for a victory, but I see Al-Akhdoud walking away with a narrow victory.
Al-Ahli 1/2 | Draw 16/5 | Al-Ittifaq 15/4
Al-Ahli went toe-to-toe with Al-Nassr in their previous game and despite losing the game 4-3 in the end, it was a great performance from “Al-Raqi”. The star-studded Jeddah-based side will be eager to bounce back to winning ways at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium where they have been formidable thus far.
Steven Gerrard continues to impress as his team came out top in a nail biting 4-3 victory in their previous fixture. This is their third consecutive victory taking them to 16 points after seven games. I expect Al-Ittifaq to go toe-to-toe with Al-Ahli but will need to improve on their defensive qualities. This will be a very tactical and cagey affair and will come down to fine margins in getting a winner. Back the home win.
Al-Khaleej 1/1 | Draw 12/5 | Damak 21/10
Al-Khaleej did not shy away in their previous fixture against Al-Akhdoud and was rewarded in the end with maximum points in a hard fought 1-0 victory. Al-Khaleej are winless at home in three matches and will need to have the same winning mentality if they look to make it two consecutive victories.
Damak is still looking for a first win of the season with just four points from the opening seven games. They picked up a well-deserved point in their last game against a star-studded Al-Hilal team and will want to replicate the same performance with hopes of picking up maximum points. Al-Khaleej is the team in better form, and I see a home victory for Al Khaleej.
