Al-Raed vs Al-Zulfi on 13 January
The Saudi Pro League's Division 1 is set to witness an intriguing clash on 13th January as Al-Raed take on Al-Zulfi at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. This match could prove to be a pivotal moment in the race for promotion, with both teams fighting for crucial points in the tight battle for top-flight football. Al-Raed, looking to secure a place among the league's elite, will be tested by an Al-Zulfi side determined to upset the odds and claim a vital victory. The stakes couldn't be higher as the battle between these two sides promises an exhilarating tactical contest.
Al-Raed: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Al-Raed's recent form has been a mixed bag, with 2 wins, 2 losses, and a draw in their last five outings. They are currently sitting mid-table, but with a few more points, they could propel themselves into the upper half of the standings. Their tactical setup often revolves around a 4-3-3 formation, with a solid defensive unit in place, allowing their midfielders to control the tempo of the game. Their reliance on possession-based football is evident from their impressive 58% average possession in the last five matches. However, they have struggled to break down deeper defensive setups, scoring only 7 goals in their last 5 matches, which highlights their need for more creative spark in the final third.
One key strength for Al-Raed has been their ability to press high up the pitch when the opposition has possession in their own half. With an average of 18 pressing actions per match, they create turnovers that allow them to transition quickly into counter-attacks. Their defensive solidity is also a strong point, conceding just 4 goals in those last five games. The full-backs, particularly on the left side, have been essential to their build-up play, making overlapping runs and providing width. Expect Al-Raed to press early and look to dominate possession in the midfield, while their defensive structure will be crucial to deny Al-Zulfi any space to exploit on the counter.
Key Player: Mohammed Al-Farhan has been in sensational form recently, notching up 3 assists and playing a pivotal role in the middle of the park. His ability to control the tempo and provide key passes will be vital for Al-Raed's offensive transition. However, the team will miss the presence of their star striker, Abdullah Al-Johani, who is suspended after picking up a red card in their last match. This could affect their offensive firepower, forcing Al-Raed to rely on their wide players more effectively.
Al-Zulfi: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Al-Zulfi have been on a more positive trajectory, collecting 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in their past five games. They sit comfortably in the middle of the table but are fully aware that they can challenge for a playoff spot with a good run of results. Al-Zulfi typically adopt a 4-4-2 formation, focusing on a compact defensive structure and breaking with pace on the counter-attack. Their style is more direct, with an average of 40% possession in their recent matches, which suggests they are content to sit deeper and hit teams quickly when they lose the ball. Despite their lower possession statistics, Al-Zulfi have been efficient in front of goal, scoring 9 goals in their last 5 outings.
Defensively, Al-Zulfi are less secure than their counterparts, conceding 6 goals in their last five matches. Their low pressing actions (averaging 10 per game) mean they prefer to sit back and defend in numbers rather than disrupt play high up the field. This could leave them vulnerable to the high pressing game of Al-Raed, which could force them into mistakes. However, their counter-attacks, led by the pacey winger Ahmed Al-Muwallad, are their main threat. Al-Muwallad’s direct runs and ability to stretch the opposition make him a constant danger on the break. With Al-Raed missing a key attacking player, Al-Zulfi may feel encouraged to exploit the spaces left behind as their opponents push forward.
Key Player: Ahmed Al-Muwallad has been in red-hot form, scoring 4 goals in his last 5 games. His pace and dribbling ability will be crucial in isolating Al-Raed’s defenders and creating goal-scoring opportunities. With the midfield also well-organized around Mohammed Al-Bassam, Al-Zulfi will rely on quick transitions and Al-Muwallad’s flair to create chances on the counter.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In recent meetings, Al-Raed have had the upper hand over Al-Zulfi, winning 3 of their last 5 encounters. However, these clashes have been closely contested, with Al-Zulfi managing to hold Al-Raed to a draw in 2 of the last 5 meetings. The last encounter in October ended in a 1-0 victory for Al-Raed, but Al-Zulfi’s resilience in that match was notable, as they frustrated their opponents for large periods of the game. Al-Zulfi will certainly look to carry that defensive solidity into this upcoming fixture, hoping to frustrate their more dominant opponents once again.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The battle in the midfield will be key to this match, with Al-Raed’s creative engine, Mohammed Al-Farhan, going head-to-head with Al-Zulfi’s defensive duo of Al-Bassam and Sulaiman Al-Mutairi. Al-Farhan’s ability to dictate play and unlock the defense will be the deciding factor in whether Al-Raed can break through Al-Zulfi’s compact structure. Al-Zulfi will also look to exploit the space left behind by Al-Raed’s full-backs, as their wingers will need to stretch the defense and create 1v1 situations.
On the defensive side, the battle between Al-Raed’s left-back and Al-Zulfi’s right winger, Ahmed Al-Muwallad, will be a crucial duel. Al-Muwallad’s pace could be a constant threat, and if he is allowed too much space, he could exploit any defensive gaps created by Al-Raed’s attacking thrust. The ability of Al-Raed’s full-backs to track back quickly and provide defensive cover will determine whether they can contain the pace of Al-Zulfi’s counter-attacks.
Match Scenario and Prediction
This match will likely see Al-Raed dominating possession, with Al-Zulfi setting up to absorb pressure and hit on the counter. Al-Raed will need to break down a well-organized Al-Zulfi defense, but with the absence of Abdullah Al-Johani, they may lack the clinical edge in front of goal. Al-Zulfi will remain compact and look to exploit the spaces left behind by Al-Raed’s high pressing game. If Al-Raed can press effectively and deny Al-Zulfi time on the ball, they should be able to control the match and carve out chances. However, if Al-Zulfi can stifle Al-Raed’s midfield creativity and hit them quickly on the counter, they could steal a result.
Prediction: Al-Raed 2-1 Al-Zulfi. Expect a hard-fought battle with Al-Raed edging out a win through superior possession and pressing, but Al-Zulfi will certainly make their mark with a dangerous counter-attacking display. The match could feature over 2.5 goals, and both teams may score.
Final Thoughts
Both teams have clear paths to success in this match. For Al-Raed, controlling the game and breaking down Al-Zulfi’s defense will be key, while Al-Zulfi will look to exploit counter-attacks and set-pieces. With both sides in solid form, this will be a fascinating tactical battle. The result will reveal whether Al-Raed can overcome their key absentee and whether Al-Zulfi can maintain their defensive resilience in the face of intense pressure.
This match will answer one sharp question: Can Al-Raed find the cutting edge without their star striker, or will Al-Zulfi upset the odds with their counter-attacking brilliance?
