The new era of the Saudi Pro League is turning out to be an exciting spectacle for football lovers around the world to witness as the new big arrivals have come in and elevated the standard of play. The league continues to hit new heights as the second round of fixtures gets underway.
Friday 18 August
Al Akhdoud 47/20 | Draw 2/1 | Al Fateh 21/20 (17:00)
Al Akhdoud drew 1-1 against Al Shabab in their season opener. Portuguese coach Jorge Mendonca will push his players to better their performance from the previous game and urge his team to play with higher intensity to pick up the win on home soil.
Al Fateh opened their campaign off with a draw but showed a lot of promise and intent which they can go into the season with and build on. As they get into their first away fixture, concentration and determination will be key to picking up maximum points on the day. Both teams will be determined to pick up maximum points and I back Al Fateh to be victorious on the day.
Al Hazm 3/1 | Draw 2/1 | Al Ittifaq 9/10 (20:00)
Al Hazm lost their first game of the season 3-1 to Al Ahli. Playing at home will encourage Al Hazm to go out and be fearless but at the same time be defensively sound. Facing Al Ittifaq will be a tough task, but Al Hazm must play on the front foot as they look to land their first three points.
Al Ittifaq will be full of confidence heading into this fixture after an impressive win against Al Nassr. Steven Gerrard will be looking for maximum points once again and maintain their 100 percent record as they progress and find the right balance going forward. Back Al Ittifaq to win.
Al Nassr 1/4 | Draw 39/10 | Al Taawoun 10/1 (20:00)
Al Nassr will be disappointed with their start to the season after winning the King Salman Club Cup for the first time in the club’s history. Having lost the season opener will bring the best out of Al Nassr in this home fixture and we could see an exciting game for fans to witness.
Al Taawon picked up a point against Al Fateh to get their season up and running. Going head-to-head with one of the top sides in the league will be a huge mountain to climb but they must stick to the game plan and make the most of their scoring chances if they look to get anything out of this encounter. Back Al Nassr to show their superiority and win at home.
Al Wehda 26/10 | Draw 43/20 | Al Shabab 19/20 (20:00)
Al Wehda lost their opening game 1-0 to Al Riyadh – not the start for which they had hoped. Having home ground advantage could uplift the team and put on a performance worthy of three points and lay the foundation going froward.
Al Shabab is looking to register their first win of the season after they drew 1-1 against Al Akhdoud. The Riyadh-based team must stick to their strengths and make the most of their possession and creativity in the final third as they plan to hijack all three points in unfamiliar territory. I think Al Shabab will be too strong on the day and win comfortably away from home.
Saturday 19 August
Abha 1/1 | Draw 2/1 | Al Raed 49/20 (17:00)
Abha got off to a disappointing start to the season, going down 3-1 to Al Hilal. Abha must pick themselves up and come back better prepared with a more advanced game plan which they can benefit off while finding the right balance and combinations going forward.
Al Raed got swept by the champions in their previous game 3-0, but it’s a new game with new possibilities and three points on the line. A clear game plan and strategy will be key to exploiting advanced positions and maximizing their chances while being lock tight defensively. This will be a tight showdown but back Abha to come out winners.
Al Hilal 2/9 | Draw 42/10 | Al Feiha 10/1 (20:00)
Al Hilal got off to a flyer, comfortably winning their opening game 3-1 and still look like there is more to offer. Malcom who bagged a hat-trick in the previous game will be looking to add more goals to his tally and give their home fans their first win in the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.
Al Feiha put up an impressive performance in their first fixture which they won 3-1 against Al Khaleej. Coach Vuk Rasovic will demand the same energy and enthusiasm from his team as they go toe-to-toe with one of the title challengers of the season. Al Hilal to remain unbeaten and get the win at home.
Al Ittihad 1/4 | Draw 42/10 | Al Tai 10/1 (20:00)
Al Ittihad put on a champions performance and proved why they are the number one ranked team by demolishing Al Raed on their home ground. There is no telling how far this team can go with the quality they possess, and Al Tai is the next team to be on the list of casualties for the champions.
Al Tai winning their opening fixture will give them confidence going forward and bring a winning mentality to the group. Facing the champions never comes easy and key players will be called upon to influence the game in hopes of pulling an upset against the number one ranked team in the league. I fancy Al Ittihad to win comfortably in front of their home fans.
