Al Ahli vs Al Ettifaq: Saudi Pro League Showdown

It’s Matchday 16 in the Saudi Pro League, and the Abdullah Al Dabil Stadium is set to host a thrilling encounter between Al Ahli and Al Ettifaq. Both teams have everything to play for as they aim to boost their league standings and momentum. Let’s dive into the key highlights of this clash.

The Stakes

• Al Ettifaq: Currently in 11th place with 18 points from 15 matches. Their recent 3-0 win over Damac has lifted spirits, but they need consistency to climb the table.
• Al Ahli: Sitting in 5th place with 26 points, just three behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. However, a disappointing 1-0 loss to Al Kholood in their last outing has left them hungry for redemption.

Kick-off Details:

• Date: Monday, January 20, 2025
• Time: 10:30 PM IST
• Venue: Abdullah Al Dabil Stadium

Form Guide

• Al Ettifaq’s Last 5 Matches: Win, Loss, Win, Win, Loss
• Al Ahli’s Last 5 Matches: Loss, Win, Win, Draw, Win

Players to Watch

Moussa Dembélé (Al Ettifaq):
The French forward has been on fire, with six direct goal contributions in his last four matches. His two goals and an assist against Damac showcased why he’s their main threat. Simply put, Dembélé is the player to stop if Al Ahli wants a win.

Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli):
Mahrez’s creativity and technical brilliance are game-changing. With four goals and two assists this season, he’ll be tasked with leading Al Ahli’s charge. Think of him as the mastermind behind their attack.

Key Insights

• Previous Meeting: A 2-2 draw that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
• Al Ettifaq Highlight: Their dominant 3-0 victory over Damac.
• Al Ahli Struggle: A heart-wrenching stoppage-time loss to Al Kholood.

Tips

Want to place a bet? Here are some smart picks:

• Al Ahli to Win: Odds at 1.70
• Both Teams to Score: Odds at 1.76
• Total Goals Over 2.5: Odds at 1.82

Injury Updates

Al Ettifaq:

• Radhi Al-Otaibi (leg injury)
• Karl Toko Ekambi (adductor injury)

Al Ahli:

• Abdullah Otayf and Mohammed Al-Majhad (long-term injuries)
• Merih Demiral (red card suspension)

Predicted Lineups

Al Ettifaq (4-2-3-1):

• Goalkeeper: Rodak
• Defenders: Abdulrahman, Hendry, Madu, Alolayan
• Midfielders: Wijnaldum, Al-Malki, Gray, Vitinho, Radif
• Forward: Dembélé

Al Ahli (4-2-3-1):

• Goalkeeper: Mendy
• Defenders: Bakor, Al Amar, Ibañez, Yaslam
• Midfielders: Kessié, Aljohani, Mahrez, Firmino, Veiga
• Forward: Toney

Final Prediction

This game promises drama, skill, and nail-biting moments. While Al Ettifaq has confidence from their last win, Al Ahli’s stronger squad depth gives them the edge.

Prediction: Al Ettifaq 1-2 Al Ahli

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