Saudi Pro League Matchweek 13 Preview: A Weekend of High Stakes

Matchweek 13 of the 2024-25 Roshn Saudi League, the final round before the winter break, promises a thrilling spectacle. The matches feature several key storylines, including new managers looking to make an immediate impact and a critical clash for the bottom three teams fighting to avoid relegation. Let's dive into the key matchups.

Damac vs Al Fayha: A Battle for Survival

The match between Damac and Al Fayha kicks off the action at the Damac Club Stadium in Khamis Mushait on Thursday. Damac, currently in 11th place with 14 points, will be aiming for three points to improve their positioning before the league pauses. Their home record is impressive, with just one loss all season, three wins and two draws since Matchweek 1. However, their defense has shown some vulnerabilities, having conceded more goals than they've scored. For Al Fayha, who find themselves second from bottom with only seven points from a single win and in a dire position, the match is of utmost importance. Their manager, Christos Kontis, has been replaced by caretaker coach Alexandros Tziolis, adding another layer of uncertainty to their situation. Al Fayha will need to be wary of Damac’s Georges-Kevin N’Koudou, a potent attacker with five goals in his last six appearances (excluding the recent loss to Al Nassr).

Al Fayha's recent form is extremely worrying—three straight losses and a winless streak spanning seven matches—making their upcoming match against Damac even more difficult. Historically, Al Fayha haven't had success against Damac, with four losses and four draws in their eight encounters. Damac's left winger is a key player to watch; he is their top goalscorer and a master dribbler, averaging more than three successful dribbles per game.

On the other hand, Fashion Sakala, Al Fayha’s top scorer, will hope to utilize his clinical finishing skills within the limited chances they might get. Damac will be without Nicolae Stanciu and Adam Maher due to injuries, and Abdelkader Bedrane is suspended. Al Fayha are missing Henry Onyekuru (injury) and Renzo López (suspension). Despite Al Fayha's struggles, their recent struggles and history against Damac paint a challenging picture for them. The prediction is a 2-1 win for Damac.

Key Players to Watch

• Georges-Kevin N’Koudou (Damac): A prolific goalscorer and skillful dribbler.
• Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha): A clinical finisher who will be crucial for Al Fayha's chances.

Al Wehda vs Al Okhdood: A New Manager's Challenge

Al Wehda, currently languishing in 16th place, welcomes the return of Jose Daniel Carreno as their manager. Their first match under Carreno didn’t yield the desired result, narrowly losing to Al Ahli despite a strong performance. This time, they will be hoping for the “new manager bounce” against Al Okhdood, who are only one place above them in the table. A win would lift Al Wehda out of the relegation zone going into the winter break. Al Okhdood, under manager Stjepan Tomas, are struggling themselves with only two league wins this season. The pressure is clearly on both managers. Al Wehda has a strong record in December matches, however, with 16 victories in the month.

A Look at the History

Al Wehda’s success in December matches adds another layer to the anticipation of the match. Their impressive home record, with six wins in their last eight December matches, adds another element to their quest for a crucial victory. This will be their second match since Jose Daniel Carreno's return, and a win would significantly boost their morale.

Al Shabab vs Al Fateh: A Clash of Titans

The final match of the Matchweek 13 features a clash between Al Shabab and Al Fateh. Al Shabab, currently fifth in the table, are chasing a top-four finish. They’ve had a slight dip in form recently, with a draw against Al Okhdood and a loss to Al Hilal, despite previously enjoying a three-match winning streak. In contrast, Al Fateh is bottom of the league and desperately needs a win to reignite their season. They've suffered nine losses in 12 matches and scored only nine goals—the second-lowest tally in the league. Al Fateh faces an unenviable challenge against an in-form Abderrazak Hamdallah, who has scored in three consecutive matches for Al Shabab and boasts an impressive goal record against Al Fateh.

Form and Expectations

Al Shabab's slight dip in form and Al Fateh's desperate need for a victory set the stage for a high-stakes clash. The in-form Abderrazak Hamdallah will be a player to watch.

Matchweek 13: A Pivotal Moment

Matchweek 13 is a pivotal moment in the Saudi Pro League season. The results will significantly impact the relegation battle and the race for the top spots. With new managers, struggling teams, and in-form attackers, it promises to be a thrilling weekend of football.

This weekend's matches showcase the drama and intensity inherent in the Saudi Pro League. The outcomes will shape the remainder of the season, adding to the anticipation for the upcoming matches. Fans eagerly await a thrilling display of football skill and tactical prowess as these teams compete fiercely for victory.