Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Saudi Pro League match.
Al-Fateh's upturn in form during the second half of the campaign has lifted the team clear of the relegation scrap. A positive result away to Damac could see the squad break back into the top 12 and all but guarantee their place in the top tier for next season.
Damac
Damac recently dropped more points, though a goalless draw against Al-Ettifaq at the weekend extended their buffer above the relegation zone to five points. Heading into the penultimate round, they have shipped 48 goals — the second-worst defensive record among the top 12 sides, behind only Al-Khaldiya (52). Since early February, Damac have managed just two victories from seven home matches.
Al-Fateh
Before suffering consecutive defeats to Al-Wehda (0:1) and Al-Hilal (3:4), Al-Fateh had put together a six-game unbeaten run, collecting four wins and two draws. They gave a strong account of themselves against the reigning champions, only conceding the decisive goals in the final 10 minutes. The team recorded a respectable 1.41 xG and fired off 19 shots. Heading into Thursday’s fixture, motivation will be high, and with 42 goals scored, Al-Fateh possess the most prolific attack among the league’s bottom half.
Damac vs Al-Fateh Prediction
In the reverse fixture in January, Damac failed to contain Al-Fateh at home, with the winner coming in stoppage time (1:2). Backing the visitors with a zero handicap looks a solid approach here.
