Al Ahli Saudi And Al Ettifaq Set For High Stakes Showdown In Jeddah

King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah is buzzing with anticipation as Al Ahli Saudi, the reigning Asian champions, prepare to host Al Ettifaq in a much-anticipated Matchweek 18 clash of the Saudi Pro League 2025-26. Scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 2026, with kick-off at 17:30 UK Time (11:00 p.m. IST), this fixture pits two sides in strong recent form against each other, each eager to climb the league table as the season edges toward its decisive phase.

Al Ahli Saudi, currently sitting second in the league and trailing leaders Al Hilal by five points, enter this match riding a wave of confidence. Under the guidance of German coach Matthias Jaissle—formerly of Red Bull Salzburg—the Jeddah-based giants have found the right balance between defensive discipline and attacking flair. Their recent results tell the story: a commanding 3-0 away win at Neom on January 24, followed by a 4-1 demolition of Al Khaleej at home just days earlier. Tight 1-0 victories over Al-Okhdood (twice) and a hard-fought 2-1 against Al Taawoun further highlight their ability to edge out results, even when margins are slim.

Defensively, Al Ahli have been rock solid, conceding just once in their last five matches. This newfound resilience has allowed them to dictate the tempo of games and suffocate opponents’ attacking ambitions. Their ability to score early and maintain pressure has been a hallmark, with goals coming in both halves and a knack for resetting quickly after finding the net. Such consistency has made them one of the most feared sides in the league this season.

Al Ettifaq, meanwhile, have enjoyed a resurgence of their own. Managed by Saad Al Shehri—who previously led the Saudi Arabia national and U23 teams—the Dammam-based club sits sixth in the table. They have won three of their last five matches, including an impressive 2-1 away victory over Al Kholood on January 24. A disciplined 0-0 draw against Neom and a gritty 1-0 win over Al-Ittihad have showcased their resilience, even if defensive lapses remain a concern, especially away from home. Losses to Al Khaleej (2-1) and a wild 4-3 defeat at Al Najma exposed vulnerabilities when under sustained pressure.

Al Ettifaq’s ability to stay compact for long stretches is notable, but they’ve struggled to maintain structure when forced to chase the game. Conceding late goals has been a recurring issue, and their record away from home suggests that the cauldron of King Abdullah Sports City could test their mettle once again.

Looking at the head-to-head statistics, Al Ahli have the historical edge. In 66 previous meetings, Al Ahli have claimed 34 victories to Al Ettifaq’s 17, with 15 draws. Interestingly, the last encounter between these two sides ended in a draw, but Al Ettifaq emerged victorious the last time they visited Jeddah—an outcome the hosts will be keen to avenge.

Key players will be under the spotlight. For Al Ahli, Franck Kessie stands out. The Ivorian midfielder, who joined from Barcelona in 2023 after spells at Atalanta and AC Milan, has been pivotal in the engine room. This season, Kessie has featured in 12 matches, notching a goal and an assist, and his influence extends far beyond statistics—his ability to break up play and drive forward has been crucial in Al Ahli’s recent successes. Up front, Ivan Toney is tipped to make an impact, with bookmakers offering 4/6 odds on him finding the net.

On the other side, Georgino Wijnaldum has been Al Ettifaq’s talisman. The Dutch international, who boasts league titles with Liverpool and PSG, joined Al Ettifaq in 2023 and has quickly adapted to Saudi football. With 9 goals and 3 assists in 16 appearances this season, Wijnaldum’s knack for arriving late in the box and his leadership in midfield have been invaluable. Supporters will hope he can unlock Al Ahli’s tight defense and add to his impressive tally.

Injury news could play a part in shaping the contest. Al Ahli’s Merih Demiral is a doubt after suffering a hamstring injury, potentially forcing Jaissle to reshuffle his backline. Al Ettifaq will be without Ahmed Koka and Madallah Al Olayan, both sidelined, which could test their squad depth. The use of VAR technology for the match ensures that key decisions will be scrutinized, adding another layer of intrigue to proceedings.

The predicted lineups reflect both teams’ intent to attack. Al Ahli are expected to line up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Al Sanbi in goal, a back four of Majrashi, Hamed, Ibanez, and Al Hawsawi, and a midfield anchored by Mahrez, Kessie, Atangana, and Galeno. The strike partnership of Al Buraikan and Toney promises goals. Al Ettifaq are likely to mirror this setup, with Rodak between the sticks, a defense of Madu, Hendry, Al Khateeb, and Otaibi, and a midfield featuring Nkota, Al Ghamdi, Ali, and Duda, supporting the attacking duo of Wijnaldum and Dembele.

Betting odds suggest a closely fought contest. There’s a 7/2 chance for a draw, while an 18/1 shot is offered for a 2-2 scoreline—a result that would echo the thrilling encounters these sides have produced in the past. For those looking to tune in, the match will be broadcast on Fancode in India, DAZN UK in the United Kingdom, fubo TV and FOX Deportes in the USA, and Star Times App and Sporty TV in Nigeria.

Historically, Omar Al Somah of Al Ahli is the leading goalscorer in this fixture, a testament to the attacking fireworks often on display when these teams meet. The last five matches between them have featured everything from high-scoring thrillers to cagey draws, underlining the unpredictability and excitement this rivalry brings to the Saudi Pro League.

As the teams prepare to take the field, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Al Ahli will look to keep the pressure on Al Hilal at the summit, while Al Ettifaq aim to consolidate their top-six position and perhaps spring a surprise on their illustrious hosts. With both sides boasting form, firepower, and tactical nous, fans can expect ninety minutes of drama under the Jeddah lights.

Whatever the outcome, this clash promises to be a showcase of Saudi football at its finest, with the league’s biggest stars ready to shine on one of its grandest stages. As the whistle draws near, all eyes turn to King Abdullah Sports City, where another chapter in this storied rivalry is set to unfold.