What to expect in Roshn Saudi League’s matchweek 21
Roshn Saudi League’s matchweek 21 begins on Thursday.
Key details for all eight fixtures are below:
AL KHALEEJ V AL TAI
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Promoted Al Khaleej nervously sit 14th, level on points with the final relegation place.
This follows a run of one win and four defeats from their last-five outings. They will, again, look to Portuguese winger Fabio Martins to spark them back into life, prior to the international break.
Eighth-placed Al Tai come in after the end of a three-match unbeaten run.
Skipper Knowledge Musona netted a hat-trick in October’s meeting.
CURRENT ROSHN SAUDI LEAGUE FORM: Al Khaleej had won their previous three home fixtures prior to defeat against now-leaders Al Ittihad. Al Tai are unbeaten in their last two away outings, after losing the previous four.
WHEN: 16:00 KSA; Thursday, March 16, 2023
WHERE: Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium, Dammam
DAMAC V AL BATIN
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Cosmin Contra will look to build upon his winning start with seventh-placed Damac.
A first home outing awaits after the ex-Al Ittihad manager defeated Al Tai during matchweek 20’s debut.
Bottom-placed Al Batin are dreaming of a second-successive ‘great escape’.
They’ve won two out of three top-flight fixtures under rejuvenating, new Croatian boss Zdravko Logarusic
CURRENT ROSHN SAUDI LEAGUE FORM: Damac have ended their five-match winless run. Al Batin are just eight points away from safety.
WHEN: 16:00 KSA; Friday, March 17, 2023
WHERE: Damac Club Stadium, Khamis Mushait
AL FAYHA V AL ADALAH
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: 11th-placed Al Fayha must rebound from the midweek end of their King’s Cup defence.
A penalty shootout loss to Al Ittihad terminated their run at the quarter-final stage. Seven-goal Nigerian forward Anthony Nwakaeme should pose their largest threat.
Hope abounds for 15th-placed Al Adalah.
Martin Sevela’s men are within touching distance of safety, after claiming seven points from the last 12.
CURRENT ROSHN SAUDI LEAGUE FORM: Al Fayha have prevailed in three of their last four home fixtures, drawing the other. Shock victory at title-chasing Al Shabab ended a three-match losing streak on the road.
WHEN: 16:00 KSA; Friday, March 17, 2023
WHERE: Al Majma’ah Sports City Stadium, Al Majma’ah
AL WEHDA V AL TAAWOUN
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: 13th-placed Al Wehda are steadily drawing themselves away from danger.
Last week’s 1-1 draw at Ettifaq earned the promoted outfit a four-match unbeaten spell. Midfielder Alaa Al Hejji is in dominant form.
Fifth-placed Al Taawoun must show resolve after devastating defeat to holders Al Hilal.
Pericles Chamusca’s men may look for inspiration from the division’s leading assist maker, gifted Paraguay playmaker Kaku (10).
CURRENT ROSHN SAUDI LEAGUE FORM: Al Wehda have drawn their previous two home matches, after losing the prior two. Al Taawoun have won four of their last five away fixtures.
WHEN: 20:30 KSA; Friday, March 17, 2023
WHERE: King Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium, Mecca
AL FATEH V AL ITTIHAD
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Sixth-placed Al Fateh’s strong season faces a stern task.
Just one defeat from their last seven outings showcases the talent in their ranks, from the likes of prolific Saudi Arabia striker Firas Al Buraikan and former Barcelona winger Cristian Tello.
Al Ittihad will be full of belief after their summit victory against Al Nassr propelled them into top spot.
A 15th clean sheet for Brazil goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe will break the Pro League record for an entire season.
CURRENT ROSHN SAUDI LEAGUE FORM: Al Fateh have netted twice in their last four home run-outs. Al Ittihad have taken 23 points from the last 27.
WHEN: 16:00 KSA; Saturday, March 18, 2023
WHERE: Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Sports City Stadium, Al Ahsa
AL HILAL V ETTIFAQ
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Al Hilal will be determined to build on their return to champion’s form.
They stormed into fourth spot with a dismantling of Al Taawoun. Nigeria hit man Odion Ighalo netted twice in that contest.
10th-placed Ettifaq are excelling after a fresh start.
They are unbeaten in both fixtures under Spaniard Antonio Cazorla.
CURRENT ROSHN SAUDI LEAGUE FORM: Al Hilal were stunned 2-1 by Al Fateh in their last home league match. Ettifaq have taken four points from six available since their change of manager from Patrice Carteron.
WHEN: 20:30 KSA; Saturday, March 18, 2023
WHERE: Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, Riyadh
AL NASSR V ABHA
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A familiar foe awaits second-placed Al Nassr.
Abha were also their opponents on Tuesday in the King’s Cup quarter-finals. They emerged 3-1 victors then, with Saudi Arabia attacker Sami Al Najei netting within the first minute.
12th-placed Abha have taken just one point from the last 15.
But a goal last-time out in the 2-2 draw with Al Fateh for ex-Ecuador, Manchester City and Lazio centre forward Felipe Caicedo provides encouragement.
CURRENT ROSHN SAUDI LEAGUE FORM: Defeat at Al Ittihad ended a 17-match unbeaten league run. Abha have lost their last five away league games, after winning the prior trio.
WHEN: 20:30 KSA; Saturday, March 18, 2023
WHERE: Mrsool Park, Riyadh
AL RAED V AL SHABAB
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Ninth-placed Al Raed will aim to build momentum.
Their preceding 3-0 victory against Al Adalah ended a three-match winless run, with veteran Cape Verde centre forward Julio Tavares excelling.
Third-placed Al Shabab are determined to keep pace in the title race.
Gabon forward Aaron Boupendza was in electric form during matchweek 20.
CURRENT ROSHN SAUDI LEAGUE FORM: Al Raed have taken four points from the last 21 at home. Al Shabab have won their last two on the road.
WHEN: 20:30 KSA; Saturday, March 18, 2023
WHERE: King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, Buraidah