Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Saudi Pro League match.
Al-Ahli
Al-Ahli have scored 40 goals in 18 games. However, they haven’t played that brightly in attack on their pitch. Al-Ahli have scored only 37,5% of their goals in their home games. They didn’t manage to score at all in their two previous home games against Al-Shabab and Al-Raed. Over 3 goals have been scored only in 3 out of the 10 Al-Ahli’s home games this season. Firmino scored in one of them and he doesn’t play well now.
Al-Khaleej
Al-Khaleej have a 4-game winning streak, which is a record for them in this season. They beat Abha twice (3:1 and 2:1): in the league and in the national cup. The side impressed in their two previous games. They didn’t let Al-Riyadh (1:0) make an attempt on goal and they beat Al-Fayha (3:0).
Al-Ahli – Al-Khaleej prediction
Both sides have been playing perfectly in defence. Al-Ahli have kept the clean sheet in the last 5 league games, Al-Khaleej have managed to do the same in the last two games. It’s unlikely that we’ll see many goals. Besides, Firmino (3+2) has played only 72 minutes in the previous 7 rounds. He hasn’t scored a goal since August.
I suggest that the sides will neutralise the strong sides of each other. It’s not going to be a bright game.
