Saudi football fans will be glued to their screens tomorrow, Sunday, as Al-Qadisiyah travels to King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Buraidah to face Al-Hazm in the 16th round of the Saudi Professional League. This match is of paramount importance to both sides, given their contrasting ambitions: one striving for the top spot, the other aiming to secure a more comfortable mid-table position.
Al-Qadisiyah's ambition is to continue their winning streak
Al-Qadisiyah enters the match enjoying one of its best periods, aiming for its fifth consecutive victory. This impressive momentum is fueled by remarkable results that have placed the team fifth in the standings with 30 points, accumulated from nine wins, three draws, and only two losses. The "Sons of Qadis" seek to capitalize on their high morale following their resounding 5-0 victory over Al-Fayha in the previous round, to remain in contention for the title, or at least to close the gap on the teams vying for continental qualification. They are only one point behind second place, making a win in Buraidah absolutely essential.
Firmness and the search for stability
Meanwhile, Al-Hazm, playing at home, will be hoping to capitalize on their home advantage and secure a positive result. Al-Hazm currently sits in eleventh place with 16 points, a position that doesn't guarantee complete safety given the tight competition in the middle of the table. The team recently managed to regain its footing with a dramatic victory over Al-Najma after two consecutive defeats, indicating their determination to fight until the final whistle. Al-Hazm's coaching staff understands that even a draw against a star-studded Al-Qadisiyah side would be a significant step towards securing a more comfortable position in the league.
Head-to-head history and top stars
Historically, the two teams have met six times in the Professional League, with Al-Qadisiyah holding a slight edge, having won two matches compared to Al-Hazm's single victory, while three matches ended in a draw. These encounters have seen a reasonable number of goals, with Al-Qadisiyah scoring 10 goals compared to Al-Hazm's 8.
In terms of personnel, both teams boast star-studded lineups. Al-Qadisiyah relies on a formidable array of international professionals, including Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels and Spanish defender Nacho Fernandez, in addition to attacking talents like Julian Kenyon and Matthew Retegui. Meanwhile, Al-Hazm draws upon the experience of Syrian Omar Al-Somah, Algerian Amir Sayoud, and Portuguese Fabio Martins. This encounter is expected to be a highly tactical and technically astute contest, reflecting the significant development of the Saudi league and the rising level of competition among its clubs.
