Al Taawoun
- Al Taawoun are in good form with 3 wins in their last 5, having beaten Al Shabab 2-0 and narrowly losing to Al Ahli after leading late.
- Péricles Chamusca’s Taawoun play a compact 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 with a defense-first approach that transitions quickly into a high-tempo, vertical attack.
- Chamusca’s system and team discipline have provided the perfect platform for creative playmaker Angelo Fulgini to provide and Roger Martínez to convert.
Al Hazm
- Al Hazm have been in mixed form with 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats in their last 5, losing 3-1 at home to Al Najmah and recording a gritty away win at Al Riyadh.
- Al Hazm's Jalel Kadri has built his 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-1-1 around a low block that is much more pragmatic and relies on pacey, direct counters to trouble the stronger sides in the division.
- In Fábio Martins and veteran striker Omar Al-Somah, Al Hazm have an excellent focal point to hold the ball up, create and finish aerial play and provide a threat from set pieces.
Head-to-Head
- Al Taawoun have been unbeaten in their last 8 - 10 Saudi Pro League meetings with Al Hazm.
- The hosts have won the last 2 head-to-head contests 4-0 at home and 3-1 away.
Key Players
- Angelo Fulgini - creative playmaker for Al Taawoun.
- Roger Martínez - finisher for Al Taawoun.
- Fábio Martins - pacey threat for Al Hazm.
- Omar Al-Somah - veteran striker and aerial focal point for Al Hazm.
- Maílson - has been a key player with some important shutouts as Chamusca’s team have gone from strength-to-strength.
Betting Insights
- Al-Taawoun are the clear favorites with the bookmakers at 1.67, while Al-Hazm are 4.8 with the draw at 3.8.
- The hosts are much higher in the table, unbeaten against Hazm in 8-10 meetings in the Pro League and have won the last 2 head-to-head contests 4-0 at home and 3-1 away.
- Both Teams To Score at 2.05 looks like the standout bet here, but we’ll take Over 2.5 Goals at 1.7 as the price is much better and more in line with Taawoun’s recent attacking output.
Prediction
- We’re going to side with Taawoun as our main selection here.
- A 2-0 or 2-1 win for Taawoun looks the most likely outcome, as Al-Hazm are well organised and dangerous on the counter.
