"Starting with the hosts, while Al-Ahli might have suffered real frustration last season as they eventually had to settle for a fifth-place finish among Saudi's elite, Matthias Jaissle's men have come roaring back in some style this time around. Enjoying what has been a major Pro League romp, the Royals are riding a real wave of momentum and they have come skyrocketing up the table."
"Last seen over the weekend breezing their way to a routine 3-0 romp away at Neon SC, the former Salzburg boss will be dreaming of a repeat display here. Opening Wednesday showdown sat in bronze medal place and knowing that they can move within touching distance of top spot, they are also in pole position to book a lucrative AFC Champions League return in 2026."
"As for the visitors, while Al-Ettifaq might travel to Jeddah in midweek facing a real challenge, the Greens are enjoying their own eye-catching run. Despite essentially being sat in Pro League limbo, Wednesday's guests have recorded seven points from their previous three top-flight showdowns. Likewise, despite falling to a 2-1 loss at the hands of Al-Khaleej, that is the only defeat that they have suffered from any of their previous 11 straight outings - a run that stems all the way back to October 24th."
Al-Ahli sit in third place and can move within touching distance of the top spot and secure an AFC Champions League return in 2026. Matthias Jaissle's side have won seven consecutive Pro League matches, including a 4-1 home victory over Al-Khaleej and a recent 3-0 win at Neon SC. Al-Ettifaq have collected seven points from their last three league matches and have suffered only one defeat in 11 outings since October 24th. The visitors display strong away performances, highlighted by a 4-3 win against Al-Najma on January 8th. The match shapes up as a clash of sustained form.
Read at Soccer News
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