Abha vs Al-Ettifaq Club

Abha host Al Ettifaq in what already looks like a pivotal early fixture for both sides. The newly promoted hosts sit 12th with a single point from three Pro League games, while Al Ettifaq have shown better signs, sitting mid-table after a mixed start to the campaign. Abha's return to the top flight has been brutal — five straight defeats across all competitions, including a King Cup exit to Al-Orobah on penalties, have piled pressure on manager Paulo Cunha, with much resting on new striker Michy Batshuayi. Al Ettifaq opened with two wins before a stunning 2-3 defeat to Al Nassr, squandering a lead built by Álvaro Medrán and Ondrej Duda. Jack Hendry was the hero in an earlier win over Al Fateh, while Georginio Wijnaldum and Moussa Dembélé lead the attack. Historically, Al Ettifaq hold the edge with nine wins to Abha's seven in 17 meetings since 2005. Our prediction: 1-2