Al-Ahli will be aiming to continue their perfect start to the 2023 Saudi Pro League season when they welcome Al Tai to the Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium on Tuesday.

On the other hand, the visiting team make the journey to Jeddah desperately keen to avoid what would be a third consecutive defeat this term.

Match preview

Al-Ahli made it three wins from as many matches at the expense of Al Akhdoud courtesy of a narrow 1-0 victory in Thursday's encounter between the teams.

With the scores level heading into second-half stoppage time, Franck Kessie popped up with a late winner to get the job done for Matthias Jaissle's men.

As a result, the Royals remain second in the Saudi Pro League table, albeit adrift of current leaders Al Ittihad only on goal difference.

On the horizon next is the challenge of an opposing outfit who have been beaten in the last five editions of this fixture across all competitions.

Currently on a run of five straight home wins by a combined score of 10-1, Tuesday's hosts are huge favourites to emerge victorious in this one.

Al Tai fell to a 3-0 defeat against Al Wahda when the sides locked horns at the Prince Abdul Aziz bin Musa'ed Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

Kresimir Rezic's men fell behind to Faycal Fajr's opener after which second-half goals from Saeed Al Muwallad and Odion Ighalo sealed the deal.

Since kicking off their league campaign with a win, the Knights of the North have failed to pick up a single point and have slipped down to 12th in the standings.

Having lost each of their most recent six away outings, Tuesday's visitors now prepare for what is set to be another daunting assignment on the road.

Team News

Al-Ahli's Ziyad Al Johani is a major doubt having come off with an injury scare late into the first half of the win over Al Akhdoud last time out.

This could see midfielder Mohammed Al Majhad come into the hosts' starting lineup for what would be the first time this season.

In a bid to combat his side's recent woes in finding the back of the net, Kresimir Rezic may contemplate making some alterations to his attacking unit.

Summer signing Virgil Misidjan has struggled in his opening three matches for his new employers, and the 30-year-old could be one of those set to lose their starting berths here.

Al-Ahli possible starting lineup:
Mendy; Al Hurayji, Demiral, Ibanez, Alioski; Al Majhad, Kessie; Mahrez, Alnabit, Saint-Maximin; Firmino

Al Tai possible starting lineup:
Braga; Al Quamiri, Bauer, Roco, Qasim; Semedo, Al Harabi, Mensah; Al Toiawy, Shamlan, Misidjan

We say: Al-Ahli 2-0 Al Tai

Al-Ahli have been impressive at both ends of the pitch, and it is hard to bet against them coming out on top here. We expect the home side to have little problem easing past the threat of their visitors and securing maximum points in the end.


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