A crucial encounter in Al-Ahsa: Al-Fateh seeks to break its winless streak against a wounded Al-Hazm
All eyes of Saudi Pro League fans will be on Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Sports City Stadium in Al-Ahsa on Sunday evening, as it hosts a crucial match in the 20th round of the competition. Al-Fateh, seeking to regain their footing, will face Al-Hazm, who are battling to improve their position in the standings. Both teams enter the match with different but equally important objectives, promising a strong and exciting encounter where each side will strive to secure the three points.
Historical background and equal competition
The history of matches between Al-Fateh and Al-Hazm in the Saudi Professional League is characterized by competitiveness and parity. The two teams have met 13 times previously, with Al-Fateh holding a slight edge, having won 6 matches, while Al-Hazm has triumphed in 5 encounters, with only 2 matches ending in a draw. This closeness extends to the goal tally as well, with Al-Fateh's attack having scored 18 goals against Al-Hazm, compared to 16 goals conceded by Al-Fateh, reflecting the consistently competitive nature of their encounters.
Al-Fateh: The mission to return to winning ways
Al-Fateh enters the match in tenth place with 22 points, a position that falls short of its fans' expectations. The team has been struggling recently, failing to secure a win in its last four league matches. Despite this slump, the team managed to salvage a valuable point in its last outing against then-leaders Al-Ittihad, a result that could provide a significant morale boost for the players. The coach aims to capitalize on home advantage, the support of the fans, and the full complement of players to achieve a long-awaited victory that will put the team back on track and secure its position in the safe zone. Al-Fateh will rely on a constellation of stars, led by Moroccan Mourad Batna, Algerian Sofiane Bendebka, and Argentinian Matias Vargas.
Firmness... to restore balance and correct the course
In contrast, Al-Hazm is facing a more difficult situation, languishing near the bottom of the table with 20 points and finding themselves close to the relegation zone. The team suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat against Al-Shabab in the last round, following an important victory over Damac, reflecting their inconsistent performances. Al-Hazm understands that every point is crucial at this stage of the season and will enter the match with the primary objective of regaining their footing and avoiding another loss that could further complicate their fight for survival. Key players in the squad include Portuguese Fabio Martins and Algerian Amir Sayoud, who are expected to lead the team to a positive result away from home.
The importance of the match and its expected impact
The match is doubly important for both teams. For Al-Fateh, a win would break their losing streak and propel them to a better mid-table position, while for Al-Hazm, even a draw would be a crucial step in their fight against relegation. The outcome is expected to have a direct impact on the competition in the middle and lower reaches of the Saudi Pro League.
