Al-Taawoun Stadium in Buraidah is preparing to host a crucial match between two teams with contrasting ambitions, as Al-Taawoun welcomes Al-Akhdoud on Friday evening for Matchday 19 of the Saudi Professional League. Al-Taawoun, nicknamed "The Sugar of Qassim," enters the match seeking to regain its form and return to winning ways after a recent slump, while Al-Akhdoud clings to its hopes of achieving a positive result to aid its fight against relegation.
The context of the confrontation and its importance in the Stars League
This encounter comes amidst an exceptional season for the Saudi League, which has captured global attention thanks to its attraction of international stars. In this context, Al-Taawoun represents a model of ambitious clubs competing fiercely for a top-four finish, building on its history as a consistent force in the Professional League, culminating in its historic King's Cup title in 2019. On the other hand, Al-Akhdoud embarks on its journey in the top flight fully aware of the challenge ahead, striving to establish itself among the elite and avoid a swift return to the First Division – a common struggle for newly promoted teams.
A struggle for three points with differing objectives
This match is of paramount importance to both teams. For Al-Taawoun, currently fifth with 35 points after 11 wins, two draws, and four losses, a victory would mean a strong return to contention for third or fourth place, which would secure qualification for Asian competitions – a strategic objective for the club. Any further slip-up could jeopardize this ambition, especially after recent setbacks including losses to Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr and a draw with Al-Hazm. Meanwhile, Al-Akhdoud, languishing in 17th place (second to last) with only 9 points from two wins, three draws, and 12 losses, desperately needs every point to survive. A positive result at a difficult ground like Al-Taawoun's would provide a massive morale boost for both the players and fans in their arduous fight to avoid relegation.
A look at the teams' technical specifications
Despite Al-Taawoun missing their Brazilian midfielder Flavio due to injury, they rely on a constellation of stars capable of deciding the match, led by their Colombian striker Roger Martinez, the defensive solidity of Brazilian Gerotto, goalkeeper Maïlson, as well as Dutchman Ashraf Al-Mahdioui, Frenchman Angelo Fulgini, and Waleed Al-Ahmad. On the other hand, despite their recent poor results, culminating in a loss to Al-Ittihad, Al-Akhdoud are counting on their foreign professionals to make the difference, such as Norwegian Tokmac Nguyen, Brazilians Samuel Lima and Petros, Colombian Juan Pedrosa, Argentinian Mateo Borrell, and Cameroonian Christian Bassogog, hoping to defy expectations and pull off an upset.
The history of their encounters favors Al-Taawoun
Historically, Al-Taawoun has a clear advantage in direct encounters between the two teams in the Professional League. Out of 5 previous meetings, Al-Taawoun has the advantage, having won 4 matches and one ending in a draw, scoring 9 goals while conceding only 4 goals from Al-Akhdoud’s attack.
