Third-placed Al-Ahli welcome 16th-placed Abha to the King Abdullah Sports City in a Saudi Pro League clash that could be pivotal for the home side's AFC Champions League ambitions and the away team's hopes of top-flight survival.
The hosts occupy the league's final Champions League qualification spot, six points ahead of fourth-placed Al-Taawoun, while Saturday's opponents are one point from safety on 29, and defeat could lead to a tense final two matchdays.
Match preview
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Al-Ahli have 58 points and with just three games remaining they can finish no higher than third and no lower than fifth.
However, considering that they are seven points clear of fifth-placed Al Ittihad, their main rival for third place is more realistically Al-Taawoun, who are six points behind in fourth.
The Royals are on course for their best finish since 2019-20 and on track for their best tally since 2015-16 when they won the title with 63 points.
Additionally, while German manager Matthias Jaissle might be disappointed that his team were unable to challenge champions Al-Hilal this term, he will likely be pleased with the progress his side have shown given that this is Al-Ahli's first season back in the top flight since being relegated in the 2021-22 season.
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Jaissle's record since taking over in July 2023 has been impressive, with the former RB Salzburg coach boasting a 54.84% win ratio in the league, and considering Al-Ahli's recent promotion, it is fair to say that he has performed well in his role so far.
Saturday's hosts have lost just twice at home in 15 league games this term, although both losses came in their last four home matches, and they did lose last time out against Al-Hilal.
Their overall league form has been mixed, with five wins in their last 12 fixtures and just seven points from their last five games, the same record as Abha.
The visitors are third-bottom of the division, and have dropped into the relegation zone following Al Tai's victory on Thursday.
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However, Abha have had something of a late season resurgence, and rank joint seventh for points gained in the last five matchdays.
The Leaders of the South have experienced a turbulent season so far, having already had two permanent as well as two caretaker managers this term, but the appointment of Pitso Mosimane on January 26 has led to a period of comparative stability.
Mosimane holds a league record of four wins, three draws and five losses, and in the 12 games under his leadership Abha have collected 15 of their 29 points, one more than they achieved in their first 19 league matches this season.
Despite this, while Abha have one draw and one win in their last two games, they have failed to win any of their 15 matches on the road this season, and any of their previous 25 away league games.
Mosimane will hope his side can rectify this on Saturday in order to escape the threat of relegation.
Team News
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Al-Ahli will have to contend with the absence of talented midfielder Gabriel Veiga until the end of the month as he continues to recover from the ankle issue that has sidelined him since mid-February.
Jaissle will also be without midfielder Abdullah Otayf as a result of the cruciate ligament tear he sustained in September 2023.
Winger Allan Saint-Maximin is also a doubt after he picked up an injury in his side's 2-1 victory against Al-Shabab on 11 May.
Expect former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino to be joined by former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez up front, while Sumaihan Al-Nabit could fill in for Saint-Maximin.
As for Abha, Marcel Tisserand and Zakaria Al-Sudani both remain doubts for Saturday's clash with muscle injuries, though neither are officially ruled out.
Former Paris Saint-Germain and West Bromwich Albion defensive midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak is Abha's top scorer with nine goals and he will likely be key to his side's chances on Saturday.
Al-Ahli possible starting lineup:
Mendy; Al-Amar, Hindi, Ibanez, Hamed; Kessie, Aljohani; Al-Nabit, Firmino, Mahrez; Al-Buraikan
Abha possible starting lineup:
Tatarusanu; Alshamary, Al-Zubaidi, Noguera, Al Sahafi, Jumayah; Kamano, Matic, Krychowiak, Hashim Al Ali; Dordevic
We say: Al-Ahli 3-1 Abha
Although Abha have stabilised under the management of Mosimane, they may want to prioritise other games such as their upcoming clash against already relegated, last-placed Al-Hazem on May 27.
Additionally, Al-Ahli will likely put maximum effort into securing a positive result against their opponents given that victory will all but ensure their place in next season's AFC Champions League.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Lewis Nolan
