Al-Khaleej Club vs Al Shabab

Al Khaleej host Al Shabab in a Roshn Saudi League fixture that matters early in 2026-27. Al Khaleej finished 12th last season, while Al Shabab limped to 13th, their worst finish ever despite six league titles. Both sides have rebuilt since. Al Khaleej appointed Jose Gomes, fresh from keeping Al Fateh up, and signed wingers Angelo Fulgini and Musa Barrow. Al Shabab turned to German coach Thomas Letsch, but opened the season with a 3-1 home defeat to Al Qadsiah after leading. Captain Yannick Carrasco, who extended his deal to 2027 and was top scorer last season, remains Al Shabab's main threat. History favors the visitors, who have won seven of the last ten meetings to Al Khaleej's two, including the last two. Al Khaleej will fancy home advantage against a shaky Al Shabab side still searching for its first points. Our prediction: 2-1