Al-Hazem vs Damac: prediction, H2H and probable lineups — January 26, 2026
Al Hazem
Damac FC
On Monday, in matchday 18 of the Saudi Pro League, Al-Hazem will host Damac at their home ground. Read on for an in-depth look at both teams' form and our match prediction.
See also: Al Nassr FC vs Al-Taawoun prediction and betting tips 26 January 2026
Match preview
By the midway point of the 2025/26 season, Al-Hazem find themselves in a challenging situation in the Saudi Pro League. Since returning to the top flight, the club has picked up 17 points and sits 11th in the standings. In recent rounds, the "Eagles" have alternated between rare wins, draws, and defeats, displaying inconsistency: at times, the team manages to stifle opponents, but defensive lapses and conceding too many chances—especially against positional attacks—remain a concern.
This season, Al-Hazem are striving for a structured and disciplined approach, focusing on controlling the midfield and quickly transitioning from defense to attack when regaining possession. At home, the hosts sometimes look more confident, trying to impose a high tempo and create opportunities through wing play. However, their finishing often lets them down, limiting their scoring potential.
Damac, meanwhile, are fighting for survival, languishing in 15th place with just 11 points—few wins and a significant negative goal difference. The "Potters" have struggled with similar issues: ineffective finishing, vulnerability from set pieces, and a reliance on rare counter-attacking opportunities.
Recent head-to-head meetings reflect this tough rivalry: Damac have often looked slightly better in direct encounters, but the last two matches ended in draws (for example, 1-1 in the 2025 season), underlining just how tight and scrappy these games can be.
Tactically, Al-Hazem usually try to build through a compact midfield and quick vertical passes, but they can be exposed when they lose the ball, especially under sustained pressure. Damac, on the other hand, focus on transition phases, waiting for their opponents to make mistakes and looking to break quickly. However, their lack of consistent possession often leaves them without the initiative and makes their play more chaotic.
Probable lineups
Al Hazem: Varela; Al-Yami, Al-Dakheel, Boutouil, Al-Nakhli; Lorientz, Al-Sayyali; Al-Shamrani, Carvalho, Martins; Al-Habashi
Damac: Kewin; Al-Hawsawi, Harkass, Rabei, Bedrane, Al-Anazi; Al-Ghamdi, Sharahili, Sylla, Al-Qahtani; Vada
Match facts and head-to-head
- In the last five meetings, Damac have won three times and there have been two draws
- Al-Hazem have conceded in six straight matches, winning two of those
- Damac have just one win in their last 20 games
Prediction
I expect a low-scoring affair: both teams, despite their defensive weaknesses, also struggle to impress in attack. Chances are few and goals are hard to come by for both clubs. My prediction: under 2.5 goals at 1.6 odds
