Al Ahli vs Al-Hazem Prediction, Betting Tips & Match Preview
Al Ahli vs Al-Hazem
Saudi Professional League
Date: 11 August 2023, Friday
Kick-off at 19:00 UK / 20:00 CET
Venue: Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium (Jeddah).
Al Ahli and Al-Hazem will have the honor to raise the curtain on the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League season on Friday evening when they take on each other at Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah.
The stadium is sold out as Al-Ahli have made an amazing job during the summer transfer window, signing high-profile English Premier League players to strengthen their roster in the battle for the top flight trophy.
Both Al Ahli and Al-Hazem featured in the second tier of Saudi football last year but both managed to secure an immediate top-flight return after one year.
The rock-solid defense represented the main catalyst to both teams’ successes as Al Ahli and Al-Hazem boasted Division 1’s best defensive records last season. Al Ahli ended up conceding 24 goals in 34 matches.
They’ve shown great form in the final preseason check, destroying Qatar’s side Shamal 5-0 earlier this month.
Roberto Firmino completed a brace, while Allan Saint-Maximin got his name to the scoresheet on the occasion as well.
Apart from these two, we expect to see the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Riyad Boudebouz, and Ezgjan Elioski on the pitch for Al Ahli on Friday, while Edouard Mendy should take his spot between the posts. The match will likely come too soon for the latest signing Franck Kessie, though.
Al-Hazem are not a part of the famous Public Investment Fund that owns 75% stake in Al Ahli, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Hilal.
The visitors thus do not have similar stars in their ranks as Brazilians Bruno Viana, Paulo Ricardo, and Vina represent their main weapons this season alongside Ola John and Toze.
Al Ahli vs Al-Hazem Head-to-head
- Al Ahli have been the dominant force in the history of this matchup, winning 10 and drawing 1 of the last 11 home outings against Al-Hazem.
- We’ve seen just one goal scored in total in two head to head affairs between these rivals in the previous term of Division 1.
- Al-Hazem are scoreless in three consecutive meetings with Al Ahli.
Al Ahli vs Al-Hazem Prediction
The difference in quality between the two teams is massive and we don’t expect the star-studded Al Ahli to face any troubles against Al-Hazem on Friday.
The main pick is Al Ahli to win by two or more goals difference at the 2.25 odds while you can alternatively back the in-form Roberto Firmino to score anytime at the 2.05 odds, following his brace in the 5-0 drubbing of Shamal last Tuesday.
