Al-Ahli vs Abha
Match Preview
Al Ahli host newly promoted Abha in Saudi Pro League matchweek 3, pitting a continental heavyweight against a top-flight newcomer. Al Ahli opened the season with a 1-0 away win at Al Diriyah, while Abha fell 1-2 to Al Hazem after winning promotion via last season's Saudi First Division.
The win came under new boss Marino Pusic, who replaced Matthias Jaissle this month, with Eduard Spertsyan scoring the winner. Captain Roberto Firmino, last season's second-top scorer with 32 goals, leads an attack that also features Riyad Mahrez and Ivan Toney. Abha, rebuilt under coach Damir Buric with over twenty new faces including Nabil Fekir, are still finding their feet. History favors the hosts: Al Ahli have won 7 of 14 meetings since 2005.
Expect the class gap to show early. Our prediction: 3-0
Standings
| # | W | D | L | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Al-Ahli | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| 12 | Abha | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
Head to Head
6
Al-Ahli wins
4
Draws
3
Abha wins
Goals: 32 - 14
