Al Riyadh vs Al Ettifaq Prediction: Al Ettifaq will likely defeat Al Riyadh 2-1 based on their superior form with three unbeaten matches, stronger attacking options led by Moussa Dembele, and a four-point advantage in the Saudi Pro League standings, while Al Riyadh struggles with only 10 goals scored in nine games this season.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Saudi Pro League |
| Date | December 25, 2024 |
| Venue | Prince Turki Abdul Aziz Stadium |
| Home Team | Al Riyadh (14th place, 8 points) |
| Away Team | Al Ettifaq (9th place, 12 points) |
| Recent Form (Al Riyadh) | L-D-D-W-L |
| Recent Form (Al Ettifaq) | W-D-D-L-L |
Key Facts
- Al Riyadh sits in 14th position after collecting eight points from nine matches this season.
- The home side has scored only 10 goals in nine league games, highlighting their attacking struggles.
- Al Ettifaq holds ninth place with 12 points from three wins, three draws, and three losses.
- Both teams return to action after a month-long break due to Saudi Arabia’s participation in the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup semi-finals.
- Al Ettifaq enters this match on a three-game unbeaten run in league competition.
- The head-to-head record shows Al Ettifaq won the last meeting 1-0 in April 2024.
- Al Riyadh has won two matches this season but suffered five defeats.
- Al Ettifaq could climb as high as sixth place with a victory on Christmas Day.
- Daniel Carreno manages Al Riyadh while Saad Al-Shehri leads Al Ettifaq.
- Both teams have reported no injury concerns heading into this fixture.
On This Page
Match Preview
The Saudi Pro League resumes after an extended pause, bringing Al Riyadh and Al Ettifaq face-to-face at the Prince Turki Abdul Aziz Stadium.
This matchweek ten encounter carries significant importance for both clubs as they seek to improve their positions in the league table.
Al Riyadh has endured a challenging campaign under Daniel Carreno. The team finished 12th last season and hoped for improvement, but the current standings tell a similar story.
Their record of two wins, two draws, and five losses places them just seven points above the relegation zone.
The attacking department remains their biggest concern, with only 10 goals scored across nine matches. This lack of firepower has cost them valuable points throughout the season.
Their most recent outing saw them fall 2-1 to reigning champions Al-Ittihad in November.
The defeat extended their inconsistent run and left them searching for answers. The month-long break may have provided Carreno’s squad with much-needed time to regroup and address their tactical shortcomings.
Al Ettifaq arrives in better form despite their own inconsistencies. Saad Al-Shehri’s team has collected 12 points from nine matches, sitting four points ahead of their hosts.
The Knight of Ad-Dahna secured a crucial 3-2 victory over Al-Fayha in their last league appearance, which sparked a three-game unbeaten streak.
This momentum could prove vital as they look to push into the top half of the table.
The timing of the break presents different challenges for both sides. While Al Riyadh needed time to reset, Al Ettifaq might have preferred to maintain their positive momentum.
The extended pause could disrupt their rhythm, making the opening exchanges of this match particularly important.
Predicted Al Riyadh vs Al Ettifaq Lineups
Al Riyadh Predicted Starting XI (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper: Milan Borjan
Defenders: Al-Boardi (Right Back), Alkhaibari (Center Back), Barbet (Center Back), Hazazi (Left Back)
Midfielders: Okou (Right Midfield), Toze (Central Midfield), Gonzalez (Central Midfield), Sahlouli (Left Midfield)
Forwards: Mamadou Sylla (Striker), Haji (Striker)
Al Ettifaq Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Rodak
Defenders: Khateeb (Right Back), Hendry (Center Back), Hindi (Center Back), Calvo (Left Back)
Defensive Midfielders: Mukhtar (Defensive Midfield), Georginio Wijnaldum (Defensive Midfield)
Attacking Midfielders: Nkota (Right Wing), Medran (Attacking Midfield), Dawran (Left Wing)
Forward: Moussa Dembele (Striker)
Tactical Analysis and Formations
Al Riyadh Formation: 4-4-2
Daniel Carreno favors a traditional 4-4-2 system that prioritizes defensive stability.
The formation allows Al Riyadh to maintain compact lines and limit space for opponents.
However, this approach has contributed to their attacking struggles, as they often lack numbers in forward positions during transitions.
Milan Borjan anchors the defense from his goalkeeper position, bringing experience and leadership.
The back four focuses on organization rather than adventurous play. In midfield, the team relies on work rate and discipline to control the center of the pitch.
The front two must work in isolation at times, which explains their low goal tally.
Al Ettifaq Formation: 4-2-3-1
Saad Al-Shehri employs a more flexible 4-2-3-1 system that provides better attacking options.
The formation allows Al Ettifaq to control possession through their double pivot in midfield while creating overloads in wide areas.
Georginio Wijnaldum operates as the deep-lying playmaker, using his experience to dictate tempo and distribute the ball effectively.
The attacking midfielder and two wingers provide support for the lone striker, creating numerical advantages in the final third.
This setup has helped Al Ettifaq score 13 goals this season, three more than their opponents. The formation also offers defensive security through the two holding midfielders.
Team News and Injury Report
Al Riyadh Injuries
Al Riyadh enters this match with a fully fit squad. Daniel Carreno has no injury concerns and can select from his entire roster.
This represents a significant advantage as the team looks to climb away from the lower reaches of the table.
The clean bill of health allows Carreno to field his strongest possible lineup without compromise.
Al Ettifaq Injuries
Al Ettifaq also reports no injury problems ahead of this fixture. Saad Al-Shehri has all his players available for selection, giving him maximum tactical flexibility.
The absence of injuries means both teams can approach this match at full strength, potentially leading to an open and competitive encounter.
Key Players to Watch
Mamadou Sylla (Al Riyadh)
The forward has scored five goals in nine league appearances, accounting for half of Al Riyadh’s total output.
Sylla carries the attacking burden for his team and must deliver another strong performance.
His ability to hold up play and finish chances will determine whether Al Riyadh can threaten Al Ettifaq’s defense.
Georginio Wijnaldum (Al Ettifaq)
The former Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder brings international pedigree to Al Ettifaq. Wijnaldum controls the tempo from his deep midfield position and provides the link between defense and attack.
His experience in high-pressure situations could prove decisive in this encounter.
Moussa Dembele (Al Ettifaq)
The French striker leads Al Ettifaq’s attacking line and poses a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Dembele’s movement and finishing ability make him dangerous in the penalty area.
Al Riyadh’s defense must remain vigilant to contain his runs and limit his scoring opportunities.
Head-to-Head Analysis
The recent history between these teams favors Al Ettifaq. Their last meeting in April 2024 ended 1-0 in favor of the visitors.
Before that, the teams played out a goalless draw in November 2023. Al Ettifaq has won three of the last ten meetings, while Al Riyadh has claimed two victories.
Five matches have ended in draws, suggesting closely contested encounters.
The historical data reveals low-scoring affairs between these sides. Many matches have featured one or zero goals, indicating defensive solidity from both teams.
However, recent Saudi Pro League matches have seen higher goal tallies, suggesting a shift in playing styles across the competition.
Current Standings Analysis
Saudi Pro League Table (Top 10)
Al Nassr leads the table with 27 points from nine matches, maintaining a perfect record.
Al Hilal sits second with 23 points, while Al Taawon occupies third place with 22 points. The top three teams have established a significant gap over the rest of the league.
Al Ettifaq’s ninth-place position with 12 points leaves them 11 points behind the top three.
However, a victory could lift them to sixth place, bringing them closer to continental qualification spots.
Al Riyadh’s 14th-place standing with eight points places them in the relegation battle zone, making this match crucial for their survival hopes.
Where to Watch Live?
Fans across the Middle East and North Africa can watch this match on Thmanyah, which holds broadcasting rights for the region.
Saudi Arabian viewers can also access the game through JACO. Chinese audiences can stream the match via QQ Sports Live. The broadcast begins at kickoff time on December 25, 2024.
Read all Football Predictions.
Match Prediction
This encounter promises goals based on both teams’ recent performances. Al Riyadh has conceded 19 goals in nine matches, while Al Ettifaq has allowed 18.
The defensive vulnerabilities on both sides suggest an open game with scoring opportunities at both ends.
Al Ettifaq’s superior form and higher league position make them favorites. Their three-game unbeaten run provides confidence, while Al Riyadh’s attacking struggles raise concerns about their ability to score.
The away side’s 4-2-3-1 formation should create more chances than Al Riyadh’s rigid 4-4-2 system.
The month-long break adds uncertainty to this prediction. Al Riyadh could benefit from the reset period, while Al Ettifaq might struggle to recapture their momentum.
However, the quality difference between the squads should prove decisive.
Final Prediction: Al Riyadh 1-2 Al Ettifaq
Al Ettifaq’s attacking options and tactical flexibility should overcome Al Riyadh’s defensive approach.
The visitors will likely control possession through Wijnaldum and create enough chances for Dembele to make the difference.
Al Riyadh may score through Sylla but will struggle to contain Al Ettifaq’s forward movement throughout the 90 minutes.
FAQs
Where To Watch Al Riyadh vs Al Ettifaq Live?
Fans can watch Al Riyadh vs Al Ettifaq live on Thmanyah across the Middle East and North Africa region, on JACO in Saudi Arabia, and on QQ Sports Live in China, with all broadcasts covering the Saudi Pro League matchweek 10 fixture at Prince Turki Abdul Aziz Stadium.
Who Will Win Al Riyadh vs Al Ettifaq Match?
Al Ettifaq will likely win the match against Al Riyadh because they hold a three-game unbeaten streak in the Saudi Pro League, possess stronger attacking players including Georginio Wijnaldum and Moussa Dembele, and sit four points higher in the standings at ninth place compared to Al Riyadh’s 14th position.
What is Al Riyadh vs Al Ettifaq Match Kick-Off Time?
Al Riyadh vs Al Ettifaq kicks off on December 25, 2024 (Christmas Day) at Prince Turki Abdul Aziz Stadium in Riyadh as part of Saudi Pro League matchweek 10, marking the league’s return after a month-long break due to the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup.
Are There Any Injuries in Al Riyadh vs Al Ettifaq Match?
Both Al Riyadh and Al Ettifaq have zero injuries reported for this match, with managers Daniel Carreno and Saad Al-Shehri confirming full squad availability, allowing both teams to field their strongest possible lineups without any fitness concerns or player absences.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Al Riyadh vs Al Ettifaq Match?
The predicted score is Al Riyadh 1-2 Al Ettifaq because Al Ettifaq’s superior tactical formation (4-2-3-1) creates more attacking opportunities than Al Riyadh’s defensive 4-4-2 system, while Al Riyadh has conceded 19 goals in nine matches and scored only 10 goals this season.
Al Riyadh Standing with Points?
Al Riyadh sits in 14th place with 8 points from nine Saudi Pro League matches after recording two wins, two draws, and five losses, scoring 10 goals while conceding 19, leaving them just seven points above the relegation zone.
Al Ettifaq Standing With Points?
Al Ettifaq holds 9th place with 12 points from nine Saudi Pro League matches after achieving three wins, three draws, and three losses, scoring 13 goals while conceding 18, positioning them four points ahead of Al Riyadh and within reach of the top six.