What to look out for in Friday’s rearranged Roshn Saudi League fixtures
Friday evening offers a pair of rescheduled Roshn Saudi League matches.
The earlier kick-off pits Al Tai against Al Shabab, swiftly followed by Al Fateh’s visit to Al Wehda.
AL TAI V AL SHABAB
Fourth-placed Al Shabab will be aiming for crucial points in the title race when they visit ninth-placed Al Tai, for whom ex-Al Hilal and Romania midfielder Mirel Radoi was unveiled as their new manager earlier in the week.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Al Tai will hope for an instant impact after changing their coach. The former Romania boss was picked to replace Portuguese tactician Pepa.
Radoi, previously, starred for Al Hilal from 2009-11, winning two Saudi Leagues and two Crown Prince Cups as a defensive midfielder.
Radoi will look to the goal threat of Guy Mbenza. The Congo striker leads the way for Al Tai with five strikes in 14 matches, with support in attack usually coming from Zimbabwe’s Knowledge Musona and Algerian Amir Sayoud.
For Al Shabab, a return to winning ways in paramount as they look to keep pace with the leaders.
They are boosted by the excellent form of left-back Moteb Al Harbi, named January’s Most Promising Player. Argentinians Ever Banega and Cristian Guanca should be crucial influences in midfield, alongside Poland’s Grzegorz Krychowiak.
CURRENT ROSHN SAUDI LEAGUE FORM: Al Tai have lost their last three matches in Roshn Saudi League, while Al Shabab have drawn their last three.
AL WEHDA V AL FATEH
Victory for 12th-placed Al Wehda will be the aim as they attempt to distance themselves from the relegation zone, while eighth-placed Al Fateh are celebrating the mid-week signing of former Barcelona winger Cristian Tello.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Al Wehda’s winter hire of ex-Al Ittihad and Al Tai boss Jose Luis Sierra has rejuvenated the promoted side.
Gerson Rodrigues’ solitary strike last-time out earned victory against Al Tai, making it only one defeat from their last five matches. This is now two-successive games from which the on-form Luxembourg forward has netted.
Al Fateh garnered global headlines with their capture of the lightning-quick Tello.
The former Barcelona star joins a squad which was defeated 3-1 at Damac last time out, after taking the lead through Ali Al Zubaidi’s superb opener. Ex-Real Betis midfielder Petros will provide Tello with a familiar face from La Liga.
Saudi Arabian striker Firas Al Buraikan’s excellent campaign could be boosted by service from the new arrival.
CURRENT ROSHN SAUDI LEAGUE FORM: Al Wehda have won two of their last three matches, while Al Fateh have won twice in their last five outings.
AL TAI V AL SHABAB
WHEN: 18:00 KSA; Friday, January 27, 2023
WHERE: Prince Abdul Aziz bin Musa’ed Stadium, Ha’il
AL WEHDA V AL FATEH
WHEN: 20:30 KSA; Friday, January 27, 2023
WHERE: King Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium, Mecca