Al-Ahli vs Al Fateh – News and Probable Lineups

Al-Ahli aims to keep their slim title hopes alive when they welcome Al Fateh to King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Wednesday evening in the Saudi Pro League.

The home side comes into this match in high spirits, having already clinched the AFC Champions League title this season, while the visitors are making the journey to Jeddah seeking to widen the gap between themselves and the relegation zone as the season nears its conclusion.

Match overview

This has been an impressive season for Al-Ahli, who currently sit in third place in the Saudi Pro League standings with 69 points from 21 wins, six draws, and three losses. Although the title race appears challenging, the hosts are still mathematically in contention with a few fixtures left to play.

Their attacking capabilities have been among the best in the league, having netted 59 goals while conceding just 22 this season.

This offensive power was evident in their latest league match, where they triumphed 4-0 against Al Akhdoud, with Frank Jessie scoring twice alongside goals from Valentin Atangana and Feras Albrikan.

This win was crucial, coming right after a 2-0 defeat to league leaders Al Nassr, a result that significantly dented their title aspirations.

Matthias Jaissle’s team has won four out of their last five matches in all competitions, scoring nine goals and achieving two clean sheets during this stretch.

However, the reverse encounter earlier this season serves as a reminder for the hosts, as Al Fateh emerged victorious 2-1. In their last five encounters, Al-Ahli has faced three losses, one draw, and only one win against this opponent.

On the other hand, Al Fateh arrives at King Abdullah Sports City in a very different situation, currently in 12th place with 33 points from eight wins, nine draws, and 13 losses – sitting 10 points clear of the relegation zone with three matches remaining after this one.

Jose Gomes’s team is not yet assured of safety, and their recent performance does little to instill confidence, with two defeats, two draws, and one victory in their last five league fixtures.

However, there were positive signs in their latest game, as Al Fateh fought back from a 2-0 deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against Neom, with Mourad Batna and Sofiane Bendebka both scoring to earn a point that aids their survival effort.

With limited matches left to ensure their place in the top division, the visitors will be eager to collect points wherever possible, although facing a title-contending Al-Ahli at King Abdullah Sports City presents a major challenge.

The head-to-head history heavily favors the visitors, but Al-Ahli’s superior quality, advantage of playing at home, and the motivation to remain in the title race position them as clear favorites to secure all three points on Wednesday evening.

Team News

Riyad Mahrez and Ivan Toney were both missing from the squad in the last match but are anticipated to contend for starting positions on Wednesday, which would significantly enhance Al-Ahli’s attacking dynamics.

Franck Kessie is expected to anchor the midfield together with Atangana and Enzo Millot, as this trio will be responsible for managing play in what could turn out to be a high-scoring affair.

Roger Ibanez was substituted at halftime in the previous match, and his availability remains uncertain.

Al Fateh comes into this fixture with no major injury or suspension issues, providing Gomes with a full roster of players to choose from for their journey to Jeddah.

Saeed Baattiah, Ziad Maher Aljari, Jorge Fernandes, and Majed Qasheesh are anticipated to form the defensive line.

Marwane Saadane, Zaydou Youssouf, and Bendebka are likely to take on midfield roles, with the latter having scored in his last two games and aiming for a third consecutive goal.

Matias Vargas, who appeared as a substitute last time, is vying for a starting position, and alongside him, Batna and Fahad Aqeel Al-Zubaidi are expected to make up the attacking front.

Al-Ahli probable starting XI:

Mendy; Majrashi, Ibanez, Hamed, Hawsawi; Kessie, Atangana, Millot; Mahrez, Toney, Saleh

Al Fateh probable starting XI:

Pacheco; Baattiah, Aljari, Fernandez, Qasheesh; Saadane, Bendebka, Youssouf; Batna, Vargas, Al-Zubaidi

Al-Ahli’s overall quality, combined with the benefits of home support and their determination to remain in the title contest, should be more than sufficient to overcome a visiting side still in search of the consistency required to firmly address their relegation concerns.

With Mahrez and Toney possibly returning to the squad, the hosts possess the attacking power to ensure a comfortable evening at King Abdullah Sports City.