Al-Ahli Jeddah vs Al-Hazem on February 5
As February 5th approaches, football fans around the world will turn their attention to an intriguing Premier League clash between Al-Ahli Jeddah and Al-Hazem. The match, set to take place at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, promises to be a tactical battle with significant implications for both teams' aspirations this season. For Al-Ahli, the quest for a top-four finish remains their primary motivation, while Al-Hazem, fighting relegation, will need to pull off a monumental performance to escape the danger zone. With both teams' current form in mind, this encounter could turn out to be a critical moment in the season for either side.
Al-Ahli Jeddah: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Al-Ahli Jeddah comes into this match in solid form, having won four of their last five games, with a strong emphasis on controlling possession and dominating the final third. Head coach Pitso Mosimane has favored a 4-3-3 formation, relying on fluid attacking play while maintaining defensive solidity. The team's possession stats have been impressive, with an average of 61% in their recent matches. Their success is built around high pressing in the middle third, forcing turnovers, and quickly transitioning to attack. In the final third, Al-Ahli averages 7.5 shots on target per game, a testament to their offensive efficiency.
The key to their attacking play is the interplay between their wingers and central attacking midfielder. In particular, winger Walter Bwalya has been in exceptional form, contributing with 3 goals and 2 assists in his last five appearances. His pace and creativity will be essential in stretching Al-Hazem’s defense. In midfield, experienced playmaker Abdulrahman Al-Obaid has been the engine, distributing the ball with accuracy (88% pass completion rate) and linking up play with forward players.
However, Al-Ahli will be without their talismanic striker, Omar Al-Somah, who is sidelined due to a long-term injury. His absence has forced Mosimane to adapt, likely shifting to a more fluid attacking style, with Bwalya or Ayman Al-Khulaif as a false nine. The absence of Al-Somah will undoubtedly affect their goal-scoring capacity, but the team's overall depth in attack, including the likes of Nasser Al-Dawsari, will ensure they remain dangerous.
Al-Hazem: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Al-Hazem enters the match struggling with form, having only secured 1 win from their last five games. Their primary focus has been to maintain defensive discipline while attempting to strike on the counter-attack. Coach Jürgen Klopp’s compatriot, Holger Stanislawski, often sets his team up in a 4-4-2 formation, designed to offer stability in the defensive phase while looking to exploit the speed of their forwards on the break. With an average of 47% possession in their last five outings, Al-Hazem is accustomed to surrendering the ball but looks to be a dangerous opponent when able to transition quickly.
The key players for Al-Hazem are the central defensive duo of Saeed Al-Muwallad and Mohammed Al-Otaibi, who have been tasked with containing the opposition's attacking threats. Their ability to block crosses and clear aerial duels will be pivotal in stifling Al-Ahli’s dynamic wingers. Moreover, the attacking responsibility rests heavily on the shoulders of the duo of Moussa Kone and Abdulaziz Al-Harbi. Kone, with his physicality and speed, has been a constant threat up front, having scored 4 goals in his last 5 games. Al-Harbi, operating in the second striker role, has been vital in linking up play and creating space for Kone.
Al-Hazem's lack of possession dominance and inability to press effectively means they often struggle to control matches. Their defensive shape will be tested, especially with Al-Ahli's high pressing and intensity. A lot will depend on whether Al-Hazem can absorb pressure and capitalize on counter-attacks, which has been their modus operandi this season.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
Recent head-to-head encounters between these two sides have largely favored Al-Ahli Jeddah, with the team winning 3 of the last 5 meetings, including a 3-0 thrashing earlier in the season. Al-Hazem's last victory against Al-Ahli was in a 2-1 win back in 2020, which highlights the challenge they face in breaking down their opponent’s defense. Al-Ahli has historically dominated these clashes, particularly at home, where they remain unbeaten against Al-Hazem in the last 6 meetings in Jeddah.
While recent meetings suggest Al-Ahli’s superiority, the psychological edge will be with them, especially given the massive gulf in ambition between the two teams. However, Al-Hazem will be desperate to avoid relegation and could be fired up for a surprise result in what is sure to be a high-stakes encounter. Their need for points will add a layer of urgency to their performance, but it remains to be seen whether that can overcome their tactical shortcomings.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the key individual duels in this match will be the battle between Al-Ahli's left winger Walter Bwalya and Al-Hazem's right-back Mohammad Al-Khathlan. Bwalya has been the catalyst for Al-Ahli’s attacking play, and his pace and technical ability will test Al-Khathlan's defensive capabilities. If Bwalya can get the better of this battle, Al-Ahli will find space in wide areas to create goal-scoring opportunities.
Another pivotal matchup is in the center of the park, where Al-Ahli's Abdulrahman Al-Obaid will look to dictate the tempo against Al-Hazem's midfield duo of Fahad Al-Muwallad and Youssef Al-Azizi. Al-Obaid’s ability to break up attacks and launch counter-attacks will be vital in controlling the game. However, Al-Hazem’s midfield will look to disrupt Al-Ahli’s rhythm and limit their creative outlets. The team that wins this battle for midfield supremacy will likely control the tempo and flow of the match.
Finally, Al-Hazem's counter-attacks will largely hinge on the performance of Moussa Kone, who will lead the line against an often slow-reacting Al-Ahli defense. If Kone can exploit any defensive lapses, particularly when Al-Ahli pushes forward, Al-Hazem could surprise with an early goal or opportunistic strike.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Given the contrasting tactical setups and stakes for both teams, the match is likely to unfold with Al-Ahli taking control of possession and looking to break down Al-Hazem’s defense. Expect Al-Ahli to press high, maintaining their usual intensity, and using their wingers to stretch Al-Hazem’s backline. Al-Hazem, on the other hand, will rely heavily on their defensive organization and quick counter-attacks to exploit any spaces left by Al-Ahli’s offensive overload.
The critical factor will be whether Al-Hazem can maintain their defensive discipline while trying to find a way through the relentless press of Al-Ahli. A key moment will be whether Kone can get a one-on-one opportunity against Al-Ahli's defense and turn it into a decisive strike.
I predict Al-Ahli Jeddah will emerge victorious, but it will not be a straightforward win. Al-Ahli’s dominance in possession and superior attacking play should eventually break down Al-Hazem’s resistance, but expect a few nervy moments. The final score is likely to be 2-1 to Al-Ahli, with Al-Hazem scoring on a counter-attack while struggling to cope with Al-Ahli’s constant offensive pressure. For betting purposes, I would recommend backing Al-Ahli to win, with both teams to score, and a total of over 2.5 goals.
Final Thoughts
This match will answer whether Al-Ahli's offensive juggernaut can overcome their lack of a traditional striker and break down a resolute but limited Al-Hazem defense. If Al-Ahli can exploit the gaps in Al-Hazem’s defensive setup, their attacking depth will prove too much. But if Al-Hazem can frustrate them and hit them on the break, we may have an unexpected twist in the tale. One thing is certain: with both teams needing points for different reasons, this will be an intense battle full of drama and high stakes.
