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January 6 2025, 23:26 · Alex Lawes

Al Ahli vs Al Shabab Preview: Team News & Prediction

Al Ahli vs Al Shabab Preview: Team News & Prediction

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Al Ahli are one of the so-called ‘big four’ but sit outside of the top four after the winter break as they now prepare to take on one of this season’s overachievers, Al Shabab, this weekend.

Kick-off date/time: Friday 10th January, 2025: UK – 5:00pm / US ET – 12:00pm / US PT – 9:00am

How to watch on TV: UK – DAZN have the rights to show three Saudi Pro League games per week in the UK, so it is worth checking their schedule / US – Some Saudi Pro League matches will be televised on Fox in the US, so it is worth checking their schedule

How to watch online: UK – If DAZN are televising this match, it can be streamed live to subscribers on DAZN’s digital platforms / US – If televised, this match can be streamed on Fox’s digital platforms, while Fubo subscribers can also stream certain Saudi Pro League matches live

Al Ahli Team News: A few issues

The home team have a few injury concerns for this weekend as they prepare to take on Al Shabab this weekend with defensive midfielder Abdullah Otayf sidelined alongside attacker Faris Al Buraikan.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Mendy; Ali Majrashi, Demiral, Roger Ibanez, Yaslam; Aljohani, Alexsander; Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Gabri Veiga; Toney

Unavailable: Hamed (Injured), Otayf (Injured), Al Majhad (Injured), Al Buraikan (Injured)

Questionable: 

Al Shabab Team News: Several injuries

Al Shabab are dealing with several injury issues as they make the trip to face Al Ahli with South Korea international goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu sidelined alongside former Atletico Madrid utility man Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco.

Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Al Maiouf; Al Shwirekh, Hoedt, Robert Renan; Al Gulaimish, Cristian Guanca, Aljuwayr, Al Thani; Bonaventura, Podence; Camara

Unavailable: Kim (Injured), Al Sabiyani (Injured), Ferreira-Carrasco (Injured), Al Muwallad (Injured), Hamdallah (Injured)

Questionable: 

Al Ahli vs Al Shabab Prediction

Former Red Bull Salzburg coach Matthias Jaissle remains in charge of Al Ahli, despite the Royals’ underperformance so far this season. However, their 4-2 defeat of Al Taawon last month means they went into the winter break on the back of a seven-match unbeaten run of form across all competitions. They now face an injury-hit Al Shabab side that have punched above their weight so far this season but given the form of Al Ahli, the quality that they have on paper, an extra mini pre-season and their home advantage, siding with Al Ahli seems the way to go for this one.

Al Ahli vs Al Shabab Tip: Al Ahli to win