The Matchday 1 encounter in the Saudi Pro League between Al-Shabab and Al-Khaleej will take place on August 29 at the Al-Shabab Club Stadium in Riyadh. Al-Shabab vs. Al-Khaleej: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Predicted lineups for Al-Shabab vs. Al-Khaleej
Al-Shabab (4-2-3-1): Kim Seung-gyu – Mohammed Al-Breik, Hassan Tambakti, Iago Santos, Fawaz Al-Sagour – Hussain Al-Qahtani, Ever Banega – Carlos Junior, Hattan Bahebri, Turki Al-Ammar – Odion Ighalo.
Al-Khaleej (4-4-2): Marwan Al-Haidari – Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, Fahad Al-Jumeah, Abdullah Al-Sudairy, Mohammed Al-Mousa – Ali Hazazi, Lucas Souza, Abdullah Al-Saadi, Ahmed Al-Zain – Fabio Martins, Mansour Hamzi.
Al-Shabab
Al-Shabab enters this match after a strong pre-season, where they focused on strengthening their defense and midfield. The team aims to improve on last season's performance and is expected to be a tough opponent at home. With key players like Ever Banega and Odion Ighalo in the lineup, Al-Shabab will look to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities.
- Al-Shabab has won 4 of their last 5 home matches in the Saudi Pro League.
- The team has kept a clean sheet in 3 of their last 5 home games.
- Al-Shabab has scored at least two goals in 4 of their last 5 home matches.
Al-Khaleej
Al-Khaleej faces a challenging start to the season with an away game against a strong opponent. The team has been working on their defensive organization during the pre-season and will aim to frustrate Al-Shabab with a solid backline. Al-Khaleej's strategy will likely focus on counter-attacks, utilizing the pace of Fabio Martins and Mansour Hamzi.
- Al-Khaleej has not won in their last 5 away matches in the Saudi Pro League (2 draws, 3 losses).
- The team has conceded at least two goals in 4 of their last 5 away games.
- Al-Khaleej has failed to score in 3 of their last 5 away matches.
Al-Shabab vs. Al-Khaleej: Match Prediction
Al-Shabab is expected to control the game with their superior squad depth and home advantage. Al-Khaleej will likely focus on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. However, considering Al-Shabab's strong home record and attacking options, they are likely to secure a comfortable victory. My prediction: Al-Shabab to win
