Al Shabab vs Al Riyadh

Al Shabab host Al Riyadh in a fixture that carries more weight than the early-season slot suggests. Al Shabab, six-time Saudi champions, are trying to shake off a rough patch that saw manager Imanol Alguacil sacked last term after a heavy defeat, while Al Riyadh, still finding their feet among the league's bigger names since promotion, are fighting to avoid another relegation scrap following a 15th-place finish. Neither side arrives with momentum. Al Shabab lost their season opener to Al Qadsiah after leading, and new coach Noureddine Zekri, known for stabilizing struggling squads, will be demanding a reaction. Al Riyadh opened away at Al Ettifaq under Mauricio Dulac, still searching for their first sign of consistency. Up front, Yannick Carrasco and Abderrazak Hamdallah carry Al Shabab's attacking threat, while goalkeeper Milan Borjan marshals the Al Riyadh backline. History overwhelmingly favors the hosts, unbeaten in seven straight meetings with Al Riyadh, including a 3-1 win back in February. Our prediction: 2-1