Al-Najma vs Al-Ettifaq: can Al-Ettifaq extend their unbeaten run?
Al Najma
On Thursday, January 8, we will witness a Matchday 14 fixture in the Saudi Pro League, as Al-Najma take on Al-Ettifaq. The match is set to kick off at 18:30 CET, and I am offering a betting pick for this encounter.
Al-Najma vs Al-Ettifaq: match facts and H2H
- Al-Najma have gone ten consecutive matches without a win: two draws and eight defeats.
- Al-Ettifaq are unbeaten in six straight matches: three wins and three draws.
- Al-Ettifaq have scored at least one goal in seven consecutive matches.
- At home, Al-Najma are winless in four matches: one draw and three defeats.
- Al-Najma have the second-worst defence in the Pro League, having conceded 25 goals.
- Al-Najma have scored just ten goals, the second-worst attacking record in the league.
- This season, Al-Najma have not won a single Pro League match.
- In 46% of their matches this season, Al-Ettifaq have scored in both halves.
- The last head-to-head meeting between these sides dates back to 2003 and ended in a 3–3 draw.
Al-Najma vs Al-Ettifaq: match preview
Al-Najma earned promotion to the top division of Saudi Arabian football, but their results have been disappointing, and the task is now clear: survival in the Pro League. They have yet to win a single match in this Pro League campaign. After 12 rounds, the team have collected just two points and sit bottom of the table. The gap to the safety zone in 15th place is six points. Given their current form, closing that deficit will not be easy. They must start winning soon if they are not to lose touch with their direct rivals.
Al-Ettifaq are positioned in the upper half of the table. They currently sit eighth in the standings with 19 points after 12 matches. The team trail third place by nine points. As for the cushion over the ninth-placed side, the gap stands at four points. This places Al-Ettifaq firmly in mid-table contention, with a possible outside chance of pushing for continental qualification. The team are unbeaten in their last six matches. In the previous round, they defeated Al-Okhdood 2–0.
Probable line-ups
- Al-Najma: Victor Braga, Samir, Al-Haleel, Al-Shammari, Hawsawi, Vitor Vargas, Tijanič, Flores, Jasim, Boutobba, Lázaro
- Al-Ettifaq: Rodák, Al-Khateeb, Al-Hindi, Hendry, Al-Olayan, Calvo, Medrán, Duda, Ali, Wijnaldum, Dembélé
Prediction
Al-Ettifaq are currently in excellent form and have every chance to extend their positive run. They face the league’s bottom side, who are still searching for their first win of the season. I suggest a bet on an away victory in this match.
