Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Saudi Pro League match.
Al-Ahli are enjoying an impressive season, having recently secured the Champions League title. In the domestic competition, they still have a mathematical chance of lifting the title, although they currently trail Al-Ittihad by ten points. A win against Al-Taawoun is crucial for the hosts if they are to break into the top three.
Al-Ahli
Al-Ahli have won six consecutive matches across all competitions, scoring at least twice in each of those fixtures. One of the standout performers this season has been forward Ivan Toney. The Englishman has netted 19 league goals and added a further six in the Champions League. Riyad Karim Mahrez has also been in fine form, ranking second in the Champions League scoring charts with nine goals and sitting among the top four assist providers in the Saudi Pro League with ten assists. Al-Ahli have been particularly dominant at home, scoring two or more goals in eight straight league matches on their own turf.
Al-Taawoun
The visitors have been inconsistent, mixing wins with losses. Al-Taawoun have conceded in four of their last five matches, letting in at least two goals on three occasions. Notably, these came against weaker opposition — they allowed three goals in a 4:3 win over Al-Raed and two in a 0:2 defeat to 16th-placed Al-Wahda. Al-Taawoun have struggled in recent encounters with Al-Ahli, failing to win any of their last five head-to-head clashes and losing by a two-goal margin (2:4) earlier this season.
Al-Ahli vs Al-Taawoun Prediction
Al-Ahli are in strong form and, buoyed by their continental triumph, are expected to attack from the outset. They are well-positioned to secure a win against an unmotivated Al-Taawoun side, with the team likely to score at least twice.
