Victories for leaders Al Hilal and holders Al Nassr maintained a three-point gap between the Riyadh rivals. Both face exacting examinations this weekend.
Elsewhere, sinking giants Al Ittihad will hope clear improvements witnessed in Fabio Carille’s losing debut versus the pacesetters can transform into a valuable three points versus Al Shabab.
Here are this round’s trio of standout fixtures:
AL NASSR V AL AHLI JEDDAH (THURSDAY, 21:40)
Opportunity knocks for Nassr versus their managerless opponents.
Rui Vitoria’s miserly champions have rattled off three wins in a row, from all competitions, after a trio of draws. There was also last week’s boost of seeing the dependency on scoreless Abderrazak Hamdallah weaken in a 2-0 victory at Al Hazem – 2019’s global top marksman had previously notched eight of his club’s last 10 goals.
Prodigious Saudi Arabia Under-23 defender Abdulelah Al Amri first goal in Nassr colours has added further to the positive mood. This is, however, tempered by a muscle strain for ex-Watford and Galatasaray wide man Nordin Amrabat.
Al Nassr (EPA).
It is impossible to feel similar radiance about Ahli. Protracted negotiations with highly rated former Red Star Belgrade tactician Vladan Milojevic wind on, while they’ve won just one of their last four fixtures in all competitions.
This run has not been aided by Syria superstar Omar Al Somah’s gradual return to his best after a dislocated shoulder. Plus, caretaker Mazen Bahkali’s curious overlooking of ex-Germany winger Marko Marin in the preceding 1-0 loss at then-bottom Al Fateh.
Ahli continue to cling on in third, evidencing the political machinations behind Christian Gross’ dismissal. It is difficult to see them retaining this lofty position for much longer.
Prediction: Al Nassr 3-1 Al Ahli Jeddah
AL ITTIHAD V AL SHABAB (SATURDAY, 21:40)
The shuddering finale to last week’s engrossing ‘Saudi Al Clasico’ will have been on repeat in Ittihad supremo Carille’s mind.
A contentious VAR call to rule out compatriot Romarinho’s effort and a crushing 93rd-minute penalty from Carlos Eduardo ruined a fine return to the SPL by the ex-Al Wehda coach. There were, however, a multitude of strong signs that must be enacted upon versus eight-placed Shabab.
Winger Abdulrahman Al Obod gave elite Saudi Arabia full-back Yasser Al Shahrani a rare chasing, midfielder Abdulelah Al Malki continues to grow in stature and ex-Brazil goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe provides rare assurance.
Fabio Carille (r) (EPA).
Still, the Tigers have won just one of their last nine SPL fixtures and sit just one place from oblivion in 13th. There is also the continued bluntness of ageing ex-Ivory Coast and Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony.
Immediate opponents Shabab returned to winning ways after two successive losses in the rollercoaster 3-2 victory versus promoted Damac. Brazilian forward Seba must build on a display that contained a goal and assist.
There is also the added element that these sides will clash later this month in the Arab Club Championship semi-finals.
Prediction: Al Ittihad 2-2 Al Shabab
AL TAAWOUN V AL HILAL (THURSDAY, 19:40)
Some days even the greatest sides do not click.
Hilal had one of those games versus Ittihad. Eduardo looked lost out wide, former France centre forward Bafetimbi Gomis jaded and the defence suspect without South Korea’s Jang Hyun-soo plus Saudi Arabia’s Ali Al Bulaihi.
Yet, Razvan Lucescu’s continental kings still managed to extract a sixth-successive victory in all competitions. A seventh will, however, prove tricky.
Taawoun are unbeaten in four and the methods of manager Vitor Campelos appear embedded. Cameroon powerhouse Leandre Tawamba’s return to the first-team fold extended with a 12-minute run-out in the 1-1 draw with Al Raed – is he now fit enough to start?
Wilfried Bony against Al Hilal (EPA).
The men from Buraidah also enforced one of the most-harrowing days in Hilal’s 62-year history in April’s 5-0 King’s Cup semi-final chasing.
The capital contenders are a vastly different side to that day – so, too, Taawoun, who in sixth look a pale version of last term’s third-placed finishers.
Hilal should fancy this.
Prediction: Al Taawoun 0-2 Al Hilal
