Pedro Emanuel’s’ side Al-Khaleej is set to face away team Damac in the last week of September for a competitive dual in round eight of the Saudi Pro League 2023-2024.
DATE, KICK-OFF AND STADIUM
- Date: SATURDAY, 30th September 2023
- Kick-off time: 7:00 PM UK (11:30 PM IST)
- Stadium: PrinceMohamed bin Fahd Stadium
AL-KHALEEJ VS. DAMAC MATCH PREVIEW
Al-Khaleej FC finished in fourteenth place in the Saudi Pro League last season. Al-Khaleej were promoted to the Saudi top tier league in the 2022-2023 season and have bettered their position since then, currently standing 10th on the Saudi pro league table with 8 points. Al-Khaleej won their round 7 league match against Al-Akhdoud scoring one solitary goal converted through a penalty kick by K.Narey’s. Home team Al-Khaleej looks like the stronger rivals and will want to secure another three points against a lackluster Damac side.
Meanwhile, Damac were mid-table contenders finishing in a strong 8th position in the season 2022-2023 of the Saudi pro league, but are currently ranked 14th in the 2023-24 season. After playing 7 matches total, the squad is currently struggling to register a win having drawn four matches and lost three. The South Knights will certainly fight to register a win in Saturday’s duel against Al-Khaleej.
Also Read: Saudi Pro League top scorer: Latest Golden Boot Standings After GW 7
AL-KHALEEJ VS. DAMAC HEAD-TO-HEAD AND KEY STATS
- Al-Khaleej have won 5 times in their past 14 meetings with Damac since 2009, Damac also secured an equal number of wins while both shared the spoils drawing four matches.
- In the last 5 matches of the Saudi Pro League Al-Khaleej FC has won 2, Drew 2, and lost 3 matches.
- Al-Khaleej conceded 12 goals and scored 9 goals in all Saudi league matches in the 2023-2024 season till now.
- Compared to Damac who haven’t won any matches yet but have four points in their kitty having played four draws and losing three matches.
- Damac has conceded 14 goals and scored 9 goals in the last 7 games this season.
- Damac have scored in their last 6 games.
- Al-Khaleej has won the fewest home games in the professional league
- Damac has won the fewest away games in the professional league.
WHERE TO WATCH AL-KHALEEJ VS. DAMAC
- For International viewers, the game will be telecast on Shahid TV.
- Viewers in Saudi Arabia and Middle East countries can watch live streaming on Shahid TV.
- In Europe, the game is available on DAZN for free of cost.
- Viewers in India can watch on Sony Sports Network.
AL-KHALEEJ TEAM NEWS
Al-Khaleej will look to keep their team fresh and fit for the end of the month fixture with Damac after their King Cup Of Champions fixture (round of 32) against Al-Adalah. Portuguese winger Fabio Martins has scored 4 goals in his last 7 matches for Al-Khaleej and is also great in assists. With the likes of midfielder Khaled Narey who isn’t shy from tucking the ball in the back of the net Al-Khaleej have brilliant prospects going into their Saturday fixture. All players are fit for their next match as of now things will also depend on their Kings Cup match and Pablo’s call on shuffling the squad.
DAMAC TEAM NEWS
With latest signings of Gambian striker Assan Ceesay, Damac seek to load up on their goal scoring tally, having scored 9 goals in the past 7 matches. But Damac need to register a win to climb up the league table from current 14th position. The round 6 league match for Damac ended in a 4-2 loss against Al-Waheda and what came as a double blow was N.al.Rashidis red card suspension in the 43rd minute. As of now all Damac players are fit to start in their next match.
AL-KHALEEJ VS. DAMAC PREDICTION
Al-Khaleej is in form to prove lethal against Cosmin Contra’s side. We predict Al Khaleej as the winner. Damac proved equally resistant to give up three points against Neymar’s Al-Hilal in their round 7 league fixture on Thursday. The knights Damac will manage to score but whether they will be able to maintain the lead will be the main question. Right now things look bright for Al-Khaleej squad.
Prediction: AL-Khaleej 3-2 Damac
AL-KHALEEJ VS. DAMAC BETTING TIPS AND ODDS
Betting tips:
- Tip 1: Game to have expected goals- 4
- Tip 2: Al-Khaleej to score first-NO
- Tip 3: Damac to score first: yes
- Tip 4 results: Fabio Martins to score: yes
Odds:
- The best odds on Al-KHALEEJ are currently 2.00 BETWAY
- The best odds on DAMAC are currently 3.41 by BETWINNER
- The best odds for the draw are currently 3.49 by VAVE
PROBABLE LINEUPS FOR AL-KHALEEJ VS. DAMAC
AL-KHALEEJ probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1)
I.SEHIC (G.K), P.REBONCHO, L.LOPEZ, M.A-KHABRANI, A-AL HAYDAR, I.RODRIGUES, W.JUNG, F.MARTINS, M.HAMZI, K.NAREY, M.SHERIF.
DAMAC probable line-up: ( 4-2-3-1)
M.ZEGHBA, S.HAWSAWI, S.FAQIHI, F.CHAFAI, D.S.M AL AN., T.HAMED, D.ANTOLIC, A.AL-BISHI, N.STANCIU, G.N’KOUDOU, A.CEESAY.
KEY PLAYERS BATTLE FOR AL-KHALEEJ VS. DAMAC
FABIO MARTIN VS A.CESSAY
- Fabio Martins has played 7 matches for Al-Khaleej scored 4 goals, and assisted another.
- The 26-year-old Brazilian-Portuguese winger is a 90-minute performer and can be a speedy threat to Damac on Saturday.
- Whereas Gambian professional Footballer Assan Ceesay is Damac’s recent signing and is working wonders for the squad.
- Assan Ceesay has played 5 matches and scored 3 goals.
- It will surely be a tough time for both defenses as their patience and strength will be raided duly.