Al-Riyadh vs Al-Ettifaq prediction, H2H and probable lineups - December 25, 2025
Al Riyadh
One of the clashes of the 11th round of the Saudi Pro League will take place on Thursday at the Prince Turki bin Abdul Aziz Stadium in Riyadh, where the local side Al-Riyadh will face off against Al-Ettifaq. I'm offering my take on this showdown, which comes with promising odds for success.
Match preview
Al-Riyadh haven't played for over a month due to the Arab Nations Cup break. This pause might have worked in their favor, as the team was struggling before the break, managing just one win in their last seven matches. That sole victory came against Al-Kholood with a 1-0 scoreline, the only goal netted by Senegalese striker Mamadou Sylla.
In their last outing before the break, Al-Riyadh fell 1-2 to Al-Ittihad, with Mamadou Sylla again scoring their only goal. As a result, much in the upcoming game will hinge on the form of their forward. With results like these, the capital club finds itself dangerously close to the relegation zone—just three points separate them from Damac, who occupy a precarious position.
Al-Ettifaq, meanwhile, have also been out of action for a month due to the same break. Before the pause, they were unbeaten in three matches, including draws with Al-Hazem and Al-Shabab, and a 3-2 win over Al-Fayha. Moussa Dembélé starred in that match with a brace, and the break hit right at the peak of his form.
Currently, Al-Ettifaq sit four points clear of Al-Riyadh with twelve points, holding ninth position. A defeat could also pull them closer to the drop zone, so the "Knights of Dahna" will be aiming for nothing less than victory.
Match facts and head-to-head
- In four of Al-Riyadh's last five matches, fewer than three goals were scored.
- Both teams found the net in five of Al-Riyadh's last seven matches.
- Al-Ettifaq have conceded in their last eight matches.
- Over two goals were scored in seven of their last eight games.
- These teams have met six times: three ended in draws, Al-Ettifaq won twice, and Al-Riyadh have just one victory.
Probable lineups
- Al-Riyadh: Borjan - Al-Boardi, Alkhaibari, Barbet, Hazazi - González, Soro, Tozé - Okou, Al-Absi, Sylla
- Al-Ettifaq: Rodák - Khateeb, Hendry, Hindi, Calvo - Mukhtar, Medrán, Wijnaldum - Al-Ghannam, Duda, Dembélé
Prediction
I believe this match is unlikely to be high-scoring. Al-Riyadh games usually feature few goals, and this time should be no exception. Both teams are expected to play cautiously, as this is a crucial opportunity for each to improve their standing in the table and gain confidence for upcoming fixtures. My prediction is under 3 goals.
