Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the matches in the 34th round of the Saudi Arabian league takes place on Monday in the capital, where Al-Riyadh will host Al-Ahli. Here’s a betting option on goals in this encounter with an appealing odds value.
Match preview
Al-Riyadh is wrapping up the season in a solid, though far from spectacular, ninth place. With 38 points from 33 rounds, the team has shown inconsistency, especially at the back—51 goals conceded is proof of that. Their home record isn’t disastrous (5 wins, 5 draws), but when facing top sides like Al-Ahli, the gap in quality becomes evident.
Bandar Al-Qubaishan’s men have managed just one win in their last five outings and overall look vulnerable. The latest 2-3 defeat to Al-Taawoun was further evidence of defensive woes, with a lack of cohesion at the back. The team tries to play open football, but this approach has yet to yield consistent results.
Al-Ahli are enjoying a confident campaign and are fighting for a spot in the top tier of the table, currently sitting fifth with 64 points. The team boasts an attacking style—68 goals scored and only 36 conceded reflect a strong balance across the pitch. Away from home, Al-Ahli look comfortable: 9 wins in 16 matches is an impressive record.
Despite a 1-3 loss to Al-Ettifaq in the last round, Matthias Jaissle’s side are finishing the season strongly. The coach preaches high pressing and a rapid tempo—tactics that teams lower down the table struggle to cope with. Against Al-Riyadh, Al-Ahli have every chance to rediscover their winning rhythm and cement their place in the Asian competition spots.
Probable lineups
- Al-Riyadh: Borjan, Al Haibari, Al Nuwaiki, Barbe, Asiri, Kal, Mensah, Toze, Baesh, Konate
- Al-Ahli: Al-Sanbi A., Majrashi A., Demiral M., Ibanez, Dams M., Alexsander, Veiga G., Mahrez R., Albirakan F., Al-Johani Z., Toney I
Match facts and head-to-head
- In the first meeting this season, Al-Ahli thrashed their opponents 5-0
- The “Total Over 2.5” bet has landed in three of the last five matches
- The “Both teams to score” bet has won in just one of the last five encounters
Prediction
Given the current form and class difference, a win for Al-Ahli is the most logical outcome. Considering the home side’s defensive instability and the visitors’ attacking intent, the bet on "both teams to score" also looks promising.
