Al Kholood
- Al Kholood have had a frustrating start to the season, languishing in 11th place with only nine points from nine games and a negative goal difference.
- Des Buckingham has had to try and weld a youthful and international contingent together that will play his preferred high-tempo, possession-based style.
- William Troost-Ekong has given leadership to the defence, but it has been a disappointing campaign so far.
Al Taawoun
- Al Taawoun have the opposite problem of Kholood and are punching above their weight in third place with 22 points from their opening nine games.
- Péricles Chamusca’s side have one of the division’s most lethal attacks and a strong defensive record.
- They have won four and drawn two of their last six competitive games.
Head-to-Head
There is no doubt that Al Taawoun are the much better side in terms of form, goalscoring prowess and head-to-head record.
Key Players
-
Key players to watch:
- Roger Martínez is among the leading scorers in the division with around six Saudi Pro League goals by mid-December.
- John Buckley has been the creative midfielder, providing set-piece quality and being central to Kholood’s best moves.
- Ramiro Enrique is the main goalscorer and finisher.
- Mailson has kept several clean sheets for Al Taawoun and his defence has the discipline to keep things quiet at the other end.
Betting Insights
- This could be a high-tempo affair and with Al Kholood’s defence looking vulnerable, the Over 2.5 goals bet at 1.9 looks like the alternative play.
- However, the value in this game is on Al Taawoun, who are listed at 2.1 to win with Kholood the 3.3 underdogs and the draw at 3.35.
Prediction
A 2-1 away win is the top pick because a goal for Kholood looks likely given they have to win, but goalkeeper Mailson has kept several clean sheets for Al Taawoun and his defence has the discipline to keep things quiet at the other end.
