With Al Hilal already crowned as champions, the penultimate round of Roshn Saudi League action sees the focus turn to the relegation battle as Abha, Al Okhdood, Al Tai, Al Riyadh and Al Raed all look to register victories to pull themselves away from the drop zone.
Elsewhere, Al Ettifaq take on Al Shabab in what could represent a useful barometer for both teams as they look to kick on in the 2024-25 campaign following impressive second halves of this season.
The penultimate Matchweek of the RSL season is coming up... ⏳#yallaRSL pic.twitter.com/HFcZAIXwPS
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 22, 2024
Al Ittihad vs Damac
Key Stat
Al Ittihad have failed to win each of their last four games in the RSL (D1 L3); the last time they recorded a longer such streak was a five-game run from 29 September 2023 to 3 November 2023.
Players to watch
Romarinho - Al Ittihad: It’s going to be an emotional evening at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium as the Brazilian plays his final game in front of the Al Ittihad faithful. Romarinho is the longest serving foreign player in Al Ittihad history and has over 100 goal contributions to his name. A goal would be a fitting goodbye for the 33-year old attacker.
Nicolae Stanciu - Damac: With Euro 2024 on the horizon, the Damac playmaker will be looking to rubber stamp his place in the Romania squad. Stanciu has enjoyed an impressive end to the season and you wouldn't be surprised if he has a decisive say for his side against Al Ittihad.
Did you know?
No team has attempted more dribbles in the ongoing RSL season than Al Ittihad (702); in fact, only Al Fayha (349) have completed more dribbles than Al Ittihad (335) this season.
---
Al Raed vs Al Ahli
Key Stat
Thirty percent of all goals scored by Al Raed in the ongoing RSL season have been headed goals, the highest such rate among all teams in the 2023-24 campaign; indeed, 12 out of the 40 goals that they scored this term have been headers.
Players to Watch
Karim El Berkaoui - Al Raed: The diminutive Moroccan came up with a big header against Al Wehda that effectively confirmed Al Raed’s place in the RSL for this season. El Berkaoui will be looking to add to the 12 goals to his name, and will fancy his chances against Al Ahli.
Riyad Mahrez - Al Ahli: The Algerian has recorded 13 assists in the season so far, the most by any player this term; only Alejandro Romero (15 in 2022-23) has registered more assists in a single edition in the competition since the start of the 2011-12 season.
Did you know?
Al Raed are unbeaten in their last four Saudi Pro League games against Al Ahli (W3 D1) could we have an upset on our hands?
---
Al Riyadh vs Al Nassr
Key Stat
Al Riyadh are currently on a four-game unbeaten streak in the RSL (W1 D3); they have never gone on a longer such streak in the competition since the beginning of the 2008-09 season.
Players to watch
Saleh Al Abbas - Al Riyadh: The Saudi Arabian attacker is the top scorer for his side with eight goals, however Al Abbas last found the back of the net back on the 30th of March in a 1-1 draw with Abha. A decisive goal against Al Nassr would be crucial in confirming Al Riyadh’s place in the RSL.
Otavio - Al Nassr: It’s been an impressive end to the campaign for Al Nassr who have won nine of their last 10 outings in the RSL, with the other result being a 1-1 draw with Al Hilal. Otavio scored the early goal, and the Portuguese playmaker will be eyeing another big performance in the derby against Al Riyadh.
Did you know?
Al Nassr are unbeaten in each of their last nine games in the RSL (W8 D1); the last time they recorded a longer such streak in the competition was a run of 12 games between August 2023 to November 2023.
---
Al Fateh vs Al Hazem
Key Stat
Al Fateh have won just one of their last three meetings with Al Hazem in the RSL.
Players to Watch
Lucas Zelarayan - Al Fateh: The Armenian international has created 37 chances in the RSL since the start of 2024, the second most by any player in this span after after Alvaro Medran (48). Don’t be surprised if the attacker comes up with a goal contribution against already relegated Al Hazem.
Toze - Al Hazem: The side from Ar Rass are playing for pride after confirming relegation two weeks ago. Toze leads the way in both goals and assists for his side and will be looking to add to that tally before the end of the campaign.
Did you know?
Al Hazem have conceded 13 goals in the first 15 minutes of second halves (mins. 46-60) in the RSL, the highest of all teams.
---
Abha vs Al Khaleej
Key Stat
No team has conceded more penalty goals in the ongoing season of the RSL than Al Khaleej (9).
Players to watch
Hassan Al Ali - Abha: Is the great escape on for Abha? They desperately need a result against Al Khaleej if they are to pull themselves out of trouble on the final day against already relegated Al Hazem. Al Ali missed a sitter against Al Ahli last week, and a goal would give the winger a much needed confidence boost.
Pitso Mosimane masterminded a HUGE win for Abha against Al Ittihad
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 5, 2024
🧠🇿🇦#yallaRSL pic.twitter.com/jGzbcziVxM
Ivo Rodrigues - Al Khaleej: Abha have an impressive home record losing only once in their past eight matches at the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Stadium in the RSL. The Portuguese midfielder has impressed in recent weeks for Al Khaleej, and his presence will be vital for the side from Saihat to get a result.
Did you know?
Abha lost their most recent game in the RSL by a 1-5 margin (vs Al Ahli on 18 May 2024), making it the fifth time they have conceded 5+ goals in a single game this season, the most by any team.
---
Al Hilal vs Al Tai
Key Stat
Al Hilal are unbeaten in each of their five RSL games against Al Tai since the beginning of the 2008-09 season (W4 D1).
Player to watch
Aleksandar Mitrovic - Al Hilal: The Serbian has been on fire and has scored eight headed goals this season, the most by any player this term. Don’t be surprised if Mitrovic adds to his 27 RSL goals he has scored so far against Al Tai.
Bernard Mensah - Al Tai: Two goals from the Ghanaian handed Al Tai a huge 3-1 win against Al Fateh last time out. Mensah has a big chance conversion rate of 69.2% in the 2023-24 RSL season, the second highest such rate among all players in the competition.
Did you know?
Al Hilal have registered 561 shot attempts in the 2023-24 RSL, the highest of all sides in the league.
---
Al Ettifaq vs Al Shabab
Key Stat
Al Ettifaq are unbeaten in each of their last five home matches against Al Shabab (W3 D2) in the RSL.
Players to Watch
Georginio Wijnaldum - Al Ettifaq: Steven Gerrard will be demanding a reaction from his side after a frustrating 1-1 draw against Al Okhdood. Wijnaldum has added some attacking experience to the Al Ettifaq midfield this season, and could be vital in getting the better of Al Shabab on Thursday night.
Gustavo Cuellar - Al Shabab: The midfield battle could be crucial in this clash between two in form sides. Cuellar has a dribble success rate of 77.8%, the highest tally in the division. Ball retention could be key for Al Shabab, and the Colombian could be the man to deliver the control that Vitor Pereira needs.
Did you know?
Al Shabab have scored 45% (19/42) of their RSL goals this season in the final 15 minutes (minutes 76-90), the highest such rate among all teams in the competition.
---
Al Fayha vs Al Taawoun
Key Stat
Al Fayha are winless in their last seven games against Al Taawoun in the RSL (D4 L3), including a 4-1 defeat in the reverse fixture earlier this season; the last time Al Fayha beat Al Taawoun in the competition was more than five years ago, in April 2019 (by a 2-1 margin).
Players to watch
Fashon Sakala - Al Fayha: It’s been a debut season to savour for the Zambian who has scored 18 goals and registered five assists to date. Not to mention that the former Rangers attacker has had 85 dribbles in the ongoing edition of the RSL, the joint-most by any player this term.
A man in form! @fashionjr10 ⚽️🇿🇲#yallaRSL pic.twitter.com/httDelJs0v
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 9, 2024
Aschraf El Mahdioui - Al Taawoun: The Moroccan has made 22 interceptions in the RSL since the start of 2024, the joint second-most by any player in this calendar year (Ibanez – 23). His physical presence could be crucial in helping Al Taawoun maintain their impressive away form.
Did you know?
Al Taawoun are unbeaten in their last nine away games in the RSL (W4 D5), the second longest active such run in the competition (Al Hilal – 17); indeed, Al Taawoun have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five games on the road this season.
---
Al Okhdood vs Al Wehda
Key Stat
Al Okhdood have won just one of their last five RSL games at home (L4), a 4-0 win against Abha on 27 April 2024. A win on Thursday could be vital in ensuring survival in the division!
Players to watch
Paulo Vitor - Al Okhdood: A huge penalty save against Al Ettifaq helped Okhdood to a vital point last weekend. The Brazilian goalkeeper has made four penalty saves this season, the highest tally of anyone else in the league. In this crunch game, Vitor’s composure could be crucial for Al Okhdood.
Paulo Vitor was on fire for Al Okhdood vs. Abha ⛔🧤#yallaRSL pic.twitter.com/nzqiVty1Wc
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 1, 2024
Faycal Fajr - Al Wehda: The Moroccan playmaker enjoys taking on Al Okhdood and created five chances in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. This was his joint-highest tally in a single game this season and assisted both of Al Wehda’s goals on the occasion.
Did you know?
Al Wehda have made 23.3 clearances per game in the RSL since the start of 2024, the highest such aggregate of any team; they have made 303 clearances from 13 games in this span.
