Al-Ettifaq vs Al-Akhdoud Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast | Saudi Pro League 2024-25

Fares Ad-Dahna eye second victory of the new season

Al-Ettifaq FC are set to face Al-Akhdoud in the second match week of the Saudi Pro League 2024-25 season at Abdullah Al Dabil Stadium in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. This encounter promises to be a captivating contest, with Al-Ettifaq aiming to extend their winning streak, while Al-Akhdoud will be determined to secure their first points of the season following a demoralizing 3-0 defeat.

Al-Ettifaq FC commenced their Saudi Pro League campaign with a slender victory over Al-Shabaab FC, secured by a 74th-minute goal from Dembele. They are keen to extend their winning streak against Al-Akhdoud, who currently sit at the bottom of the league table. Last season, Al-Ettifaq finished sixth, amassing 48 points from 34 matches. This season, they aim not only to maintain their strong form but also to challenge for a top position, with aspirations of overtaking league leaders Al-Hilal. A win over Al-Akhdoud would be a significant step towards achieving these goals.

Al-Akhdoud FC narrowly avoided relegation last season, finishing 15th in the Saudi Pro League table, just a point clear of the drop zone. This season, they aspire not only to avoid relegation but also to emerge as serious contenders for the league title. However, their ambitions suffered a setback after a demoralizing 3-0 defeat to reigning champions Al-Hilal.

A first-half brace from Mitrovic and a goal from Milenkovic condemned Al-Akhdoud to a heavy defeat in their opening match. Facing another formidable opponent in Al-Ettifaq FC, Al-Akhdoud will need to summon their resilience to secure an upset or at least earn their first point of the season with a draw.

Kick-Off: 

Wednesday, 28 August 2024 at 9:15 PM IST

Location: Abdullah Al Dabil Stadium, Khobar, Saudi Arabia

Form: 

Al-Ettifaq (in all competitions): W-L-L-L-W

Al-Akhdoud (in all competitions): L-L-W-D-D

Players to watch :

Georginio Wijnaldum (Al-Ettifaq)

Georginio Wijnaldum, the 33-year-old Dutch midfielder from Rotterdam, began his career with Feyenoord, where he made 111 appearances and scored 23 goals. His subsequent moves included PSV Eindhoven, Newcastle United, Liverpool, and Paris Saint-Germain, before he joined Roma. In 2023, Wijnaldum transitioned to Ettifaq, where he has made 30 appearances and scored six goals. Renowned for his reliability, he has also been a key figure for the Netherlands national team, scoring 28 goals in 96 matches.

Saviour Godwin (Al-Akhdoud)

Saviour Godwin, the 27-year-old Nigerian winger hailing from Jos, began his footballing journey with FC Sports Jos before making a move to KV Oostende, where he recorded six appearances and netted one goal. His subsequent stints with Roselare and Casa Pia paved the way for his transfer to Al-Akhdoud in 2023, where he has established himself as a key player, scoring six goals in 27 appearances.

Godwin’s stellar performances earned him a spot in the Liga Portugal 2 Team of the Season, and he was a member of the Nigerian U-17 squad that triumphed in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2013. His contributions will be crucial for Al-Akhdoud as they seek to achieve an upset against Al-Ettifaq in the upcoming fixture.

Match facts

• Al-Akhdoud won a solitary game in their last five matches.
• Al-Ettifaq won two games in their last five matches.
• Al-Ettifaq are coming after a win over Al-Shabaab.

Al-Ettifaq vs Al-Akhdoud: Betting Tips and Odds

• Tip 1 – Al-Ettifaq to win the match.
• Tip 2 – Moussa Dembélé to score first
• Tip 3 – Goals over 2.5

Injury and team news

Steven Gerrard will have the luxury to field his best combination of players from a fully fit and available side.

Al-Okhdood are set to miss the presence of Saleh Al-Abbas in the upcoming match.

Head-to-head record

Total matches – 02

Al-Ettifaq won – 00

Al-Akhdoud won – 01

Matches drawn – 01

Predicted lineup

Al-Ettifaq predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Rodak (GK); Otaibi, Al-Khateeb, Madu, Alolayan; Vitinho, Wijnaldum, Fofana; Toko Ekambi, Gray; Dembele

Al-Akhdoud predicted lineup (5-4-1)

Vitor (GK); Zabdami, Alyami, Asiri, Khamis, Al-Saeed; Al Yami, Muwallad, Pedroza, Godwin; Al-Hatila

Match prediction for Al-Ettifaq vs Al-Akhdoud

Al Ettifaq are looking resolute in their approach to play a fearless brand of football. We are expecting Al-Ettifaq to thrash Al-Akhdoud to secure their first-ever victory against them.

Prediction: Al-Ettifaq 3-0 Al-Akhdoud

Telecast for Al-Ettifaq vs Al-Akhdoud

India –  Sony LIV, Sony Sports Network

UK – DAZN UK

US –  fuboTV, FOX Sports App, FOX Deportes

Nigeria – StarTimes App, Sporty TV

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.