Al Shabab vs Al Feiha Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds
Fatih Terim eyes taking the White Lions into the semi-finals with a win over the Al-Majmaah outfit.
In the heart of Riyadh, where the historic echoes of Diriyah blend with the modern marvels of the Kingdom Centre, the quarter-final clash of the King Cup of Champions fixtures takes us to the Al Shabab FC Stadium in Riyadh where Al Shabab are set to lock horns against Al Feiha.
Al Shabab FC currently sit 6th in the Saudi Pro League standings after 13 matches, with a record of seven wins and four losses. However, their recent form has been underwhelming, marked by losses to formidable opponents like Al Hilal and consecutive draws against Al Fateh and Al Akhdoud. The team is now eager to reverse this dip in form and aims to secure a morale-boosting victory over Al Fayha in the quarter-finals of the King Cup of Champions.
Al Shabab enter this fixture on the back of a confident 2-0 win against Al Riyadh in the Round of 16. Leveraging their home advantage, they will look to build on this performance and secure a place in the semi-finals, reinforcing their campaign for silverware this season. The match represents a crucial opportunity for Al Shabab to regain momentum and reassert their dominance in domestic competitions.
Al-Fayha FC find themselves in a precarious position, sitting 17th in the Saudi Pro League standings and teetering on the edge of relegation. In their 13 matches so far, they have secured only one victory, making them one of the weakest performers this season. With a meagre tally of eight goals, the second lowest in the league, and a leaky defence that has conceded 23 goals, their struggles are evident on both ends of the pitch.
To have any hope of avoiding relegation, Al-Fayha must address their weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths. The upcoming quarter-final clash against Al Shabab in the King Cup of Champions presents a daunting challenge, but it is also an opportunity to turn their season around. Players like Chris Smalling, Fashion Sakala, and Orlando Mosquera must rise to the occasion, showcasing leadership and determination to inspire their team. If they can deliver standout performances and exploit any vulnerabilities in Al Shabab’s defence, Al-Fayha might just stage an upset and reignite their campaign.
Kick-off:
Monday, January 6, 2025, at 8:30 PM IST
Venue: Al Shabab FC Stadium, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Form:
Al Shabab (in all competitions): D-L-D-W-W
Al Feiha (in all competitions): D-L-L-L-D
Players to watch out for:
Giacomo Bonaventura (Al Shabab)
Giacomo Bonaventura, the seasoned 35-year-old midfielder hailing from San Severino Marche, Italy, has brought a wealth of experience to Al-Shabab FC since his arrival in 2024. With a storied career spanning some of Italy’s top clubs, Bonaventura previously showcased his exceptional talent with Atalanta, AC Milan, and Fiorentina, accumulating over 100 appearances across these sides in Serie A.
His tenure at AC Milan remains a highlight, where he was instrumental in their triumph in the Supercoppa Italiana in 2016 and their commendable run to the Coppa Italia final the following season. Beyond club success, Bonaventura has also contributed significantly to the Italian national setup, notably winning a silver medal at the 2009 Mediterranean Games with the under-20 team.
Since joining Al-Shabab, he has already made 12 appearances, solidifying his place as a midfield maestro in the Saudi Pro League. With his refined vision, tactical acumen, and experience in high-stakes football, Bonaventura continues to be a pivotal figure in Al-Shabab’s aspirations this season.
Fashion Sakala (Al Feiha)
Fashion Sakala, the 27-year-old Zambian centre-forward from Chipata, has carved a name for himself with his exceptional talent and versatility. Having previously played for Spartak Moscow, KV Oostende, and Rangers, he made the move to Al-Fayha in 2023. Since his arrival, Sakala has been a vital cog in Al-Fayha’s attacking machinery, registering 42 appearances and an impressive tally of 23 goals.
During his time with Rangers, he was instrumental in their successful 2021-22 campaign, which saw them lift the Scottish Cup. Now at Al-Fayha, a team enduring challenging times and facing the threat of relegation, Sakala’s leadership and attacking prowess are of paramount importance. As the team prepares to face the Riyadh-based Al-Shabab in their upcoming clash, Sakala’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations will be crucial in providing the goals and momentum Al-Fayha desperately need to turn their season around.
Match Facts:
- The home side have 58% win accuracy over their opponent.
- Al Feiha lost three games in their last five matches.
- Al Shabab have won two of their last five matches.
Al Shabab vs Al Feiha: Betting Tips and Odds:
- Al Shabab to win the match.
- Podence to score first.
- Al Shabab 3-0 Al Feiha
Injuries and Team News:
For Al Shabab, Yannick Carrasco and Fahad Al-Muwallad are set to miss the upcoming match.
Al Fayha’s list of injury list includes their Nigerian left winger Henry Onyekuru.
Head To Head stats:
Total matches – 12
Al Shabab won – 07
Al Feiha won – 03
Matches drawn – 02
Predicted Lineup:
Al Shabab predicted lineup (3-4-1-2)
Al Maiouf (GK); Al Shwirekh, Hoedt, Renan; Al Ghulaimish, Guanca, Aljuwayr, Al-Thani; Bonaventura; Hamdallah, Podence
Al Feiha predicted lineup (4-4-2):
Mosquera (GK); Al-Rashidi, Al-Khaibari, Smalling, Abdi; Kaabi, R Kaabi, Cimirot, Nawaf; Pozuelo, Sakala
Match Prediction:
Al Shabab have seen a recent dip in form. The home side would be keen to get back to winning ways and progress into the semi-finals with a big win over Al Feiha. We expect the Riyadh outfit to clinch a dominating win over Al Feiha.
Prediction: Al Shabab 3-0 Al Feiha
Telecast Details:
India: TBD
UAE – Shahid
USA: fubo TV
Nigeria: Star Times, Canal+ Sport 3 Afrique
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