Growing challenges for Al Ahly in the battle for the top four
Al-Ahli is preparing for a crucial and challenging match when they visit Al-Ettifaq in the 19th round of the Saudi Professional League. The game is of particular importance to Al-Ahli, who are looking to solidify their position in the top four. However, their task will not be easy given the significant absences plaguing the team, presenting German coach Matthias Jäsle with a real test of his squad depth and his ability to find suitable tactical solutions.
Absences hit the back line and put Yasle in a predicament
The biggest challenge facing Al-Ahli is the absence of their defensive rock, Turkish defender Merih Demiral, who suffered a serious knee injury during the previous match against Al-Khaleej, which will keep him out of action for an extended period. Demiral's absence is a significant blow to the back line, given his experience and European experience. In addition to Demiral, midfielder Valentin Atangana is also unavailable due to a tactical decision by the coach, as is Mohamed Abdelrahman, who has not yet reached full match fitness. These absences force Yassla to reshuffle his defensive lineup and search for replacements capable of filling the considerable void left by the Turkish star.
The importance of the match in the context of the fierce competition
This match comes at a crucial juncture in the league, as competition intensifies for the top spots that qualify for Asian competitions. Al-Ahli, returning to the Pro League this season, has delivered a strong performance and established itself among the elite, aiming to finish the season in the top four – a remarkable achievement for a newly promoted team. A victory against Al-Ettifaq would secure third place and distance them from their closest rivals. On the other hand, Al-Ettifaq, under the guidance of their English coach Steven Gerrard, seeks to improve their position in the standings and deliver a performance befitting the level of investment and talent within the squad, making this a highly unpredictable and exciting encounter.
Historical background and context of the new Saudi League
The Al-Ahli vs. Al-Ettifaq match is considered a classic in Saudi football, but this season it has taken on a new dimension due to the remarkable growth of the Saudi Professional League, which has become a destination for some of the world's top stars. The presence of players of the caliber of Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Franck Kessié in Al-Ahli's ranks places additional pressure on the team to secure victories. Therefore, the team's ability to overcome the obstacle of absences and win a match like this will send a strong message to the other competitors about the team's character, the depth of its squad, and its ability to compete until the end in what is considered one of the strongest seasons in the history of the Saudi League.
