Al-Qadsiah
- Al-Qadsiah Al Khubar, a constant fixture in the Saudi Arabia top-flight, enter this week’s clash with Al Kholood fresh from a run of three wins and two draws from their last five Pro League fixtures.
- Brendan Rodgers has impressed with his tactical acumen since taking the helm in December 2025, turning Al-Qadsiah into a top-four side with his possession-based, structured system.
- Rodgers can shift his back four around to suit his tactical needs, and his side have shown excellent balance in maintaining a tight defensive shape and structure while pressing effectively and finishing off attacks with clinical efficiency.
Al-Kholood
- Al-Kholood have endured a tough campaign, currently sitting between 13th and 15th place in the 2025-2026 season with a tally of between 19 and 22 points in the league table.
- Des Buckingham’s side have won two of their last three games in the league, although the two victories in their last three fixtures, both of which came away from home, have been enough to give them a glimmer of hope in the battle against relegation.
- Kholood have played an attacking, 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 system all season, with Buckingham favouring an up-tempo, direct approach where they press high up the pitch and attack wide.
- John Buckley has been a real find for them, orchestrating the attack from deep, delivering killer balls from set pieces, and creating chances from nowhere with his excellent vision and passing ability.
Head-to-Head
- Al-Qadsiah have been in dominant form against Al-Kholood in recent years, having won the last three head-to-heads by an aggregate scoreline of 11-1.
- The most recent meeting in November 2025 was a 4-0 home win for the Green Eagles, with Nahitan Nández’s tenacity and energy in central midfield, as well as Mateo Retegui’s physical presence up front, having huge impacts on the game.
Key Players
- Retegui has the uncanny knack of scoring the goals that matter, including two against Al Kholood in the most recent H2H, while Julián Quiñones’ 20+ goal haul this term has put him in the league’s elite group of scorers.
- Al Kholood rely on Ramiro Enrique’s finishing and penalty prowess to keep them competitive in tight games and Hattan Bahebri’s veteran experience and creativity, providing width, goals, and assists from the wide areas.
Betting Insights
Rodgers’ Al-Qadsiah are very clear favorites in the betting at around 1.34 , with Al-Kholood as big long shots at 6.68 and the draw at 4.9 .
Prediction
The odds are heavily on Rodgers’ side and the favourites are expected to edge out a victory, keeping them in the running for a top-three finish while a victory for Al Kholood could be a huge game-changer in the relegation battle.
