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Steffen Schmidt - August 15, 2023
Al Khaleej vs Al Ahli
Saudi Professional League
Date: 17 August 2023, Thursday
Kick-off at 19:00 UK / 20:00 CET
Venue: Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium (Dammam).
Al Ahli confirmed the favorites’ tag on the opening day of the new Pro League season, beating Al Hazem 3-1 on the home patch last Friday.
Roberto Firmino was the main catalyst for the win as the former Liverpool forward completed a hat-trick on the occasion.
Riyad Mahrez offered a strong performance himself as Al Ahli showed the genuine candidature for the title quest this year.
The team led by German manager Mathias Jaissle will be enormous favorites on Thursday evening as well when they visit Prince Mohamed big Fahd Stadium in Dammam to take on Al Khaleej in Matchday No 2.
The hosts got off to a wrong-footed start after a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Al Feiha on Saturday. Bosnian goalkeeper Ibrahim Sehic had a nightmare display, conceding three goals from three shots on target he faced on the occasion.
Al Khaleej barely avoided relegation in the previous term of Saudi Pro League and they seem to be among the main candidates for the drop this time around.
While the other teams, especially the big four sides (including Al Ahli), have made some blockbuster transfers this summer, Al Khaleej have a fairly modest roster with Portuguese players Ivo Rodrigues and Fabio Martins as the main stars.
The difference in quality between these rivals is huge and we expect Al Ahli to justify the favorites’ tag without too many problems on Thursday night.
The main pick is Al Ahli to win by three or more goals difference at the 2.30 odds while we also like the visitors to win the first half by two a margin of at least two goals at the more attractive 2.60 odds.
