⁠Al Khaleej vs Al Ahli Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds

Al-Danah have never won against the Royals.

With the international break now over, Al Khaleej are set to lock horns with Al Ahli in round seven of the Saudi Pro League on Friday at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium. 

Al Khaleej have endured a mixed start to the new season of the Saudi Pro League gathering just seven points from the opening six matches. Georgios Donis’ team managed to bounce back in the last game to secure a much-needed 1-0 victory over Al Kholood to end their five-game winless drought. Consistency has been a major issue for the team as they have failed to register consecutive victories and also need to start dominating matches. 

Meanwhile, Al Ahli have so far failed to live up to the expectations, gathering just seven points from the starting six matches. It is a poor record considering the quality of players they have in the squad. Many expected them to break the dominance of Al Hilal and Al Nassr in the league.

But so far they are far from being their closest challengers for the title. Matthias Jaissle’s side currently find themselves in the tenth position and needs to start winning games consistently to get them back in the top. 

Kick-Off:

Friday, 18 October 2024 at 3:45 PM UK, 8:15 PM IST

Location: Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium

Form:

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

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

Players to Watch

Ibrahim Sehic (⁠Al Khaleej)

The 36-year-old towering goalkeeper has been Al Khaleej’s standout player this season. Ibrahim Sehic who represents Bosnia and Herzegovina has kept three clean sheets from five matches so far pulling multiple saves to drag the team to victories. While he is excellent at making saves, it is his ball distribution that has gone under the belt boasting an impressive 80.5% passing accuracy. If not for him, Al Khaleej could have found themselves at the bottom of the table. 

Ivan Toney (Al Ahli)

Ivan Toney has adapted efficiently to his new team scoring two goals from the opening four matches while also assisting another one. The England international has developed an excellent understanding with Riyad Mahrez and fellow attackers. He will aim to get back to scoring ways after failing to score in the last three matches. With Toney known for his clinical finishing and effective movements, he remains the biggest threat to the visitors here.

Match Facts

• Al Khaleej secured a narrow  1-0 victory over Al Kholood in the last league game
• Al Ahli suffered a 2-1 loss against Al Hilal 
• Al Ahli are unbeaten in the last eight matches against  Al Khaleej

⁠Al Khaleej vs Al Ahli: Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: Ivan Toney to score anytime
• Tip 2: Al Ahli to win this game– 8/15 with William HILL
• Tip 3: Al Khaleej to score the first goal– 15/8 with sky bet

Injury & Team News

Al Khaleej have two injury concerns in their squad. Right back Omar Al Oudah’s season may be over after suffering a muscle injury while Mohamed Sherif remains a major doubt for this game. 

Meanwhile, Al Ahli have a fully fit squad to choose from. Summer signing Alexsander Gomes will be hoping to make his first start for the club in this game. Elsewhere, Roberto Firmino might return to the lineup after playing a cameo against Al Hilal. 

Head to Head

Total Matches – 8

⁠Al Khaleej – 0

Al Ahli – 5

Draws – 3

Predicted Lineup

⁠Al Khaleej predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Sehic (GK); Al Hamsal, Tisserand, Al Fahad, Rebocho; Kourbelis, Hamzi; Narey, Fortounis, Martins; Al Salem

Al Ahli predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Mendi (GK); Majrashi, Demiral, Ibanez, Balobaid; Kessie, Al Asmari; Mahrez, Firmino, Al-Buraikan; Toney

Match Prediction for ⁠Al Khaleej vs Al Ahli

Both teams haven’t enjoyed the best of starts to the new season. However, given the recent record between the two teams and the quality of the squad the visitors possess, we expect Al Ahli to win this game by a good margin. 

Prediction: ⁠Al Khaleej 1-3 Al Ahli

Telecast for ⁠Al Khaleej vs Al Ahli

India – Sony LIV, Sony Sports Network

UK – DAZN UK

US –  fuboTV, FOX Deportes

Nigeria – StarTimes App, Sporty TV

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