Al-Ahli welcome Al Ettifaq in the penultimate round of the 2024–25 Saudi Pro League, aiming to finish the campaign on a positive note.
The hosts have already booked their place in next season’s AFC Champions League Elite League stage after lifting the continental trophy earlier this month, leaving little riding on their remaining league fixtures.
Match preview
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Al-Ahli return to domestic action fresh off their historic triumph in the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Elite, having defeated Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale 2–0 in the final on May 3.
It was a landmark moment for the Jeddah-based club, as they lifted the continental title for the first time in their history, with former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino providing the assist for both goals.
That success, however, has removed much of the incentive from their closing Saudi Pro League fixtures – with just two games left and a seven-point gap between them and the top two, the Royals can only finish as high as third, and will once again be made to wait to end their domestic title drought, which dates back to the 2015-16 season.
Al-Ahli’s form has seen notable improvement since mid-April, as a superb seven-match winning streak in all competitions drove them to continental glory and left them the chance to secure a third-place finish, while they have also been pushed by a solid defence that has conceded 33 goals in the league, with only Al-Qadsiah (28) letting in fewer.
The hosts come into Thursday’s clash on the back of a 10-match unbeaten run at home across all competitions, including five straight victories, while they have not lost in any of their last three meetings with Al Ettifaq (one win, two draws), which will leave them confident heading into this game.
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In contrast, Al Ettifaq approach this fixture on the back foot, with Saad Al-Shehri‘s men having won just two of their last five league matches and are winless in their last two, drawing one and losing the other.
Their away form makes for even bleaker reading, with a run of three defeats and a draw from their last four on the road highlighting the challenge they face in Jeddah.
Currently seventh in the table, Al Ettifaq have nothing to play for in terms of upward movement, as sixth-placed Al-Shabab are now mathematically out of reach, with a maximum possible tally of 50 points, their focus will likely be on ending the campaign positively rather than chasing a lofty finish.
However, a particular concern for the visitors is their lack of attacking edge, having failed to find the net in their last two league outings, and unless that changes, it is difficult to see them breaking down an Al-Ahli side high on confidence and riding the momentum of continental glory.
Team News
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Al-Ahli have a few injury concerns heading into the penultimate round, with Abdullah Otayf, Galeno and Matteo Dams all expected to remain sidelined for the hosts.
Meanwhile, former Brentford forward Ivan Toney will be looking to close the gap in the Golden Boot race, as the Englishman has netted 21 league goals so far this season, two behind the division’s current top scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo.
As for Al Ettifaq, they continue to manage without key names Moussa Dembele, Abdulelah Al-Malki and Joao Costa, all of whom remain out injured.
Abdullah Radif is expected to lead the line once again, as he aims to build on his modest tally of two league goals this term.
Al-Ahli possible starting lineup:
Al Sanbi; Demiral, Ibanez, Majrashi, Dams; Veiga, Johani, Alexsander; Mahrez, Toney, Al Brikan
Al Ettifaq possible starting lineup:
Rodak; Madu, Khateeb, Otaibi, Abdulrahman; Wijnaldum, Medran, Escobar, Vitinho, Gray; Radif
We say: Al-Ahli 2-0 Al Ettifaq
Al-Ahli, with a solid defense and great home form, should have enough to see off an inconsistent Al Ettifaq side, as the visitors have struggled on the road and lacked cutting edge all season.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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