Surging Al Ettifaq, Al Riyadh out to stop Al Hilal | OneFootball

Back into the swing of things, there’s no stop to the Roshn Saudi League action, with the second round of Matchweek 3 games taking place on Saturday.

So, sit back and have a read of this preview to help set the scene for the upcoming triple-header.

Al Fateh Club Stadium, Al Ahsa - KICK-OFF 18:20

Saturday’s action kicks off with an intriguing clash in Al Ahsa, where Al Fateh will be looking to build on that brilliant 1-0 victory last time out against Al Ahli. It was Cape Verde forward Djaniny who sealed a first victory for manager Jens Gustafsson and banished memories – somewhat – of the heavy opening-round defeat to new boys Al Qadsiah.

For their part, opponents Al Ettifaq will be out to continue riding that wave of new-season optimism. Steven Gerrard’s side have started the campaign with a pair of 1-0 wins, achieved away to Al Shabab and at home to Al Okhdood. On both occasions, former Celtic and Fulham forward Moussa Dembele has grabbed the winner.

The Frenchman may well be called upon again; Al Fateh have won the past five RSL encounters between the two teams.

Get your tickets for Al Fateh v Al Ettifaq HERE

Al Fayha v Al Raed

Al Majma’ah Sports City, Al Majma’ah- KICK-OFF 18:45

Even though only a couple of weeks have passed between Matchweek 2 and 3, Al Fayha could put out a significantly changed line-up for the visit of Al Raed. Christos Kontis’ side were in need of a fresh injection, considering they’ve begun the 2024-25 season with back-to-back defeats, including a 4-1, home loss to Al Nassr last time out.

Headlining a raft of late-window recruits, former Manchester United and England defender Chris Smalling has arrived from AS Roma, while the likes of experienced Uzbek midfielder Otabek Shukurov landed in the Kingdom this week having joined from Turkey’s Kayserispor.

Meanwhile, Al Raed may have started the campaign with a solitary point from a possible six, but they did glean a hugely impressive draw at Al Nassr in Matchweek 1. Manager Odair Hellman proved at Al Riyadh last term how he can model his sides to be effective underdogs.

It feels like Karim El Berkaoui could once more be the Brazilian’s key man, as the Moroccan goes in search of his 50th RSL goal.

Get your tickets for Al Fayha v Al Raed HERE

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Al Riyadh v Al Hilal

Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, Riyadh - KICK-OFF 21:00

An all-capital clash will see Al Riyadh attempt to register another sizeable shock already this season, when they bid to snap Al Hilal’s incredible 38-match unbeaten streak in the RSL. Sabri Lamouchi’s new club have been pretty tough to put away themselves, though: Al Riyadh haven’t tasted defeat in eight league outings dating back to last term. That run includes a superb 3-3 draw at Al Wehda in Matchweek 1 and then a 2-1 home win against Al Kholood.

Saying all that, of course, Al Hilal represent an all-together different test. The record-breaking RSL champions marched past Al Okhdood in their 2024-25 opener, before being made to work considerably harder for a comeback, 3-2 victory against Damac.

Jorge Jesus hasn’t rested on his laurels, however; late on in the window, Al Hilal welcomed to the club Joao Cancelo, Moteb Al Harbi, Marcos Leonardo and Khalid Al Ghannam.

All that said, can Al Riyadh get a result for the ages, and banish a head-to-head record that reads no wins from their past 24 top-flight matches against their neighbours?

Get your tickets for Al Riyadh v Al Hilal HERE