Al-Ahli Saudi FC faces a tough challenge when they travel to face Al-Fayha in a highly anticipated match in the twelfth round of the Saudi Professional League. This game is particularly important for the Jeddah-based club, who are looking to regain their form, but the circumstances surrounding the match could make things even more difficult for German coach Matthias Jäissle.
The list of absences is hitting the backbone of Al-Ahly
Al-Ahli's lineup for this match will be missing five key and influential players, placing the coaching staff in a real predicament to compensate for this numerical and qualitative shortage. The absences are due to various reasons, most notably international commitments, as the team will be without the services of their formidable African trio: Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, Algerian playmaker Riyad Mahrez, and Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié, all of whom have joined their national teams to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The absences did not stop there, but also included the absence of player Enzo Meo due to suspension, in addition to the player Abdullah Al-Ammar being excluded from the team’s plans for this match after the termination of the contract by mutual consent, which reduces the available options on the substitutes’ bench and forces the coach to make fundamental changes to the starting lineup.
The impact of absences on tactical balance
The absence of the African trio (Mahrez, Mendy, and Kessie) is a significant blow to Al-Ahli's tactical plans, as these players form the backbone of the team. Mendy's absence puts pressure on the substitute goalkeeper against Al-Fayha's counter-attacks, while Kessie's absence leaves a large gap in midfield and in linking the lines. Mahrez's absence deprives the team of individual and creative solutions in the final third, requiring the remaining players to redouble their efforts to fill these gaps.
The journey to find compensation and reconcile with the masses
Al-Ahli enters this match with its sights set on nothing less than three points, in a serious attempt to appease its large fan base after the team's recent setback. Al-Ahli suffered a painful defeat in the last round against Al-Fateh, losing 2-1, a result that negatively impacted the team's standing and its ambitions to compete for the league title. Therefore, a victory against Al-Fayha is crucial to avoid falling further behind the leading pack.
A complex tactical encounter against Al-Fayhaa
On the other hand, Yassle knows the task will be no walk in the park, especially as he will be facing a well-organized team led by the experienced Portuguese coach Pedro Emanuel. Al-Fayha has been performing impressively this season, displaying tactical discipline and the ability to close down spaces for even the strongest opponents. This means Al-Ahli will need unconventional solutions to unlock the home side's defense, particularly given the significant absences they are currently experiencing.
