The Saudi Pro League takeover is no hit and miss and have done it again by securing Brazilian superstar Neymar’s signature. The competition and standards of football have reached an all-time high as we unpack an action-packed fixture list for week 3.
Thursday, 24 August
Al Tai 1/1 | Draw 43/20 | Al Wehda 49/20 (17:00)
Al Tai were done in by the champions in a difficult match-up going down 2-0 in the previous fixture. Playing at home will give Al Tai a chance to reset, brush the previous performance off and come out guns blazing in front of their home fans with the three points on the line.
Al Wehda was impressive in their previous game winning comfortably 3-1 against Al Shabab. Yahya Naji will be called upon again to lead the line and get on the end of the chances created and potentially picking up maximum points once again. Al Tai for the win.
AL Raed 9/1 | Draw 46/10 | Al Hilal 2/9 (20:00)
Al Raed have now lost both their fixtures prior to this which makes this encounter a much more difficult task to overcome. Analysing their opponents will give them an idea of how to approach the game and attack the areas they can benefit off at the same time being defensively lock tight.
Al Hilal are certainly one of the title contenders this season and are playing an expensive brand off football. The recruitment has been impressive and have brought in yet another big name and that is Brazilian superstar Neymar. Neymar will be looking to making his debut a memorable one and will look to get on the score sheet as they look to pinch the three points away from home. Al Hilal to prove to strong and get the win on the road.
Al Ittifaq 15/20 | Draw 49/20 | Al Khaleej 32/10 (20:00)
Steven Gerrard couldn’t have hoped for a better start to his new role as head coach of Al Ittifaq. Having only conceded a single goal in two games will bring a lot of confidence to their defensive duties but will not allow complacency to settle in as they look to maintain their unbeaten run.
Al Khaleej remains winless coming into this fixture and will approach this game better prepared and ready to fight for the badge. Hisham Al Dubais and Mansour Hamzi will need to be at their best to help the team get over the line and register their first points of the season. Gerrard will be looking to making their home ground a fortress, back the home team to win.
Al Ahli 2/11 | Draw 48/10 | Al Akhdoud 12/1 (20:00)
Al Ahli hold pole position after taking six points out of six. The Jeddah-based side are looking to register their third consecutive win of the season as they look to add Al Akhdoud to their list of casualties in front of their home faithful.
Al Akhdoud come into this fixture on the back of a heavy home defeat. A clear gameplan and organization will be key to frustrating the home team and possibly coming away with a much-needed away point from a very strong Al Ahli team. Al Ahli to continue their red-hot form and get the win.
Al Riyadh 12/1 | Draw 44/10 | Al Ittihad 1/5 (20:00)
Al Riyadh currently occupy fifth place with four points out of a possible six. The home team will not back down with the form they find themselves in and will come as no surprise to see Al Riyadh take the game to the champions with Knowledge Musona looking to add to his goal tally.
Al Ittihad is making it look easy and are now two from two remaining unbeaten. Karem Benzema will lead the line and continue to grow in confidence as the season progresses but not forgetting to make the most of their chances and kill teams off to maintain the momentum which will drive the team to success. This will be a tight match-up, but I back Al Ittihad to get over the line and win.
Friday, 25 August
Al Feiha 1/1 | Draw 9/4 | Al Hazm 9/4 (17:00)
Al Feiha put in a strong performance in their previous fixture and was rewarded with a point after they draw with Al Hilal. Fashion Sakala is the man that looks to be in form at the minute and will be looking to help his team to another win.
Al Hazm have failed to pick up any points after losing both their previous games. Sticking to the basics while being defensively sound will allow their best players to influence the game in ways that are beneficial to the team with the hopes of picking up their first points of the season. Al Feiha is the better team at the moment and will get the win at home.
Al Shabab 11/20 | Draw 26/10 | Damak 46/10 (20:00)
Al Shabab is off to a slow start registering a single point in two games. Playing at home will boost their confidence and look to control proceedings from the first whistle. The home fans will be behind their team as they plan to snatch all three points.
Damak looked destined to record their second consecutive defeat in their previous game but managed to pinch a point after Abdullah Al Ammar equalised with the last touch of the game. Teamwork and determination will be required in picking up maximum points against a wounded Al Shabab. Both teams are on a level playing field, but I back the home team to win.
Al Taawon 9/20 | Draw 29/10 | Abha 5/1 (20:00)
Al Taawon pulled off a major upset in their previous game and will be full of confidence after they won 2-0 away to Al Nassr. Finding consistency will be key to maintaining their unbeaten record and will put on a performance worthy of three points in front of their home faithful.
Abha recovered well from their opening fixture and put on a display worthy of three points which they were rewarded with after they won at home 1-0. The group will be high off confidence coming into this fixture and will play on the front foot and go for the three points. This could go either way with both teams playing well, but I see the home team pinching all three points.
Al Fateh 54/10 | Draw 32/10 | Al Nassr 4/10 (20:00)
Al Fateh have started the season well and come into this fixture unbeaten in two games. Coach Slaven Bilic will hope to carry the momentum they picked into this game and continue to build on these good performances as they look to put Al Nassr to the sword on home soil.
Al Nassr have fallen off the pace after they won the cup and travel to Al Fateh on the back of two defeats. The star-studded side have not been able to reach the heights they had hoped but having the attacking options they possess this could be the turning point for Cristiano Ronaldo and his team with maximum points being the priority of the day. Al Nassr to pick up their first three points of the season.
