Al-Ahli's absences against Al-Ettifaq and the threat of suspension before the Al-Hilal derby
Al-Ahli's first football team faces a tough test when they host Al-Ettifaq next Wednesday evening at 8:30 PM at Al-Inma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah (The Shining Jewel). This highly anticipated match is part of the 19th round of the Saudi Professional League, where Al-Ahli aims to continue accumulating points and strengthen their position in the standings.
Significant absences in the back line
Al-Ahli's coaching staff, led by German coach Matthias Jäissle, suffered a major blow with the confirmed absence of two key players from the squad for the upcoming match. The team will be without the services of defensive duo Ali Majrashi and Zakaria Hawsawi, presenting the coach with the challenge of finding suitable replacements to fill the gaps at full-back. The pair are expected to return to action in the crucial next match against Al-Hilal, scheduled for next Monday at 8:30 PM at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, as part of the 20th round of fixtures.
The risk of suspension threatens Al-Hilal's classic match
Meanwhile, Al-Ahli fans are anxious due to the accumulation of yellow cards by several players. The trio of Matheus Gonçalves, Enzo Millo, and Eid Al-Mawlid risk missing the highly anticipated "Clásico" against Al-Hilal if any of them receives a yellow card in the upcoming match against Al-Ettifaq. This situation forces the players to play with extreme caution and leaves coach Yasle with a dilemma: whether to field his strongest lineup to secure points against Al-Ettifaq or rest those at risk to preserve them for the Riyadh clash.
Technical equipment and complex calculations
On the technical front, coach Matias Jäissle is putting the final touches on the starting lineup, with the team holding a key training session today, Monday, to finalize the appropriate tactical approach. Jäissle is working to prepare substitutes capable of filling the void left by Majrashi and Hawsawi, while focusing on attacking strategies to unlock Al-Ettifaq's defense.
The importance of the match in the context of the league
This match holds immense importance, far exceeding the mere three points at stake. The Saudi Professional League is witnessing unprecedented competition this season, both domestically and internationally, making every game feel like a cup final. A victory against Al-Ettifaq would provide a tremendous morale boost for Al-Ahli before their trip to Riyadh to face Al-Hilal, while any setback could disrupt the team's plans and increase the pressure from fans and the media before the derby. Historically, matches between Al-Ahli and Al-Ettifaq are characterized by their fierce rivalry and excitement, promising fans a thrilling football spectacle.
