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

The Knights of Mecca aim to kickstart the new season with a win over the Riyadh-based franchise.

Al Wehda found themselves positioned thirteenth at the end of last season. Their penetrable defence was their biggest concern as despite scoring a massive 45 goals in 34 matches, their goal difference was -15. The Makkah-based outfit will not only aim to escape relegation for yet another season but rather aspire to become a strong contender for the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League title.

The club will look up to former Greek international and current coach, Georgios Donis to turn around the team’s fortunes and take them to greater heights.

Al Riyadh were pushed to the brink of relegation after a series of inconsistent performances saw them finishing fourteenth in the Saudi Pro League table last season. Had they lost another game, they would have had to bid adieu to the topmost division of Saudi club football.

Sabri Lamouchi will be keen to take the Riyadh-based outfit to great heights in the upcoming season. Despite a below-average performance, they finished the league stage unbeaten in their last five matches. They will be aiming to turn the Abdul Aziz Stadium into their fortress, where all their dreams turn into reality.

Expect this curtain-raiser fixture to be a nail-biting clash as both teams will look forward to shedding off the mediocrity tag and begin the season on a brighter note.

Kick-Off :

Thursday, 22 August 2024 at 11:30 PM IST

Location: King Abdul Aziz Stadium, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Form :

Al Wehda (in all competitions): L-D-L-D-L

Al Riyadh (in all competitions): W-D-D-D-D

Players to watch :

Vito van Crooij (Al Wehda)

The 28-year-old Dutch winger from Venlo began his footballing journey with Quick Boys ‘31. He transitioned to VVV Venlo, where he made over a century of appearances and netted 35 goals spanning more than a decade. After rendering his services to Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle for two years, he rejoined VVV Venlo in 2020.

After making his mark with Sparta Rotterdam where he played 70 matches, he joined the Saudi outfit Al Wehda last year. He also actively made contributions to the U20 Netherlands team.

Mohammed Al-Aqel (Al-Riyadh)

The 24-year-old Saudi winger began his footballing voyage with Al-Lewaa and Al-Tai. He rose through the ranks quickly and became an integral part of the Al-Tai team. There he made around 43 appearances and scored three goals.

He made his Saudi Pro League debut in a stalemate against Al-Batin. He then transitioned to Al Riyadh in 2022 and has so far made 16 appearances and scored a solitary goal. He will be an essential player for Al Riyadh in the upcoming season. The player will hope to contribute as many goals as he can to bolster his team’s attacking prowess.

Match facts –

• Al Wehda are winless in their last five matches.
• Al Riyadh are unbeaten in their last five matches.
• Al Riyadh won their previous game against Al-Khaleej

Al Wehda vs Al Riyadh: Betting Tips and Odds

• Tip 1 – Al Riyadh to win the match.
• Tip 2 – Mohammed Al-Aqel to score or assist.
• Tip 3 – Goals over 2.5

Injury and team news –

Al Wehda will have a fully fit squad to feature in the upcoming match.

Al Riyadh on the other hand are set to miss the presence of Abdulaziz Al-Awairdhi.

Head to head

In the previous encounter between these two sides back in December last year, Al Wehda got the better of Al Riyadh with a scoreline of 3-1.

Predicted lineup –

Al Wehda predicted lineup (4–1-4-1)

Al Rashidi (GK); Al Mowalad, El Yamiq, Makki, Al-Hajri; Bakshween; Crooij, Naji, Al-Eisa, Al-Ali; Khadhari

Al Riyadh predicted lineup (4-4-2)

Shammari (GK); Hussain, Asiri, Al Shwirekh, Al-Khaibari; Al-Shehri, Al Rashidi, Toure, Ndong; Gray, Al-Aqel

Match prediction for Al-Wehda vs Al Riyadh

Looking at the current unbeaten run of Al Riyadh, we expect them to get the better of Al Wehda and avenge their previous meeting defeat.

Predictions: Al-Wehda 1-2 Al Riyadh

Telecast for Al-Wehda vs Al Riyadh

India –  Sony LIV, Sony Sports Network

UK – DAZN UK

US –  fuboTV, FOX Sports App, FOX Deportes

Nigeria – StarTimes App, Sporty TV

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