Al Ahli travel to Ar Rass on 17 January 2026 needing a win to cement a top‑three finish and a Champions League spot, while Al Kholood fight for survival, requiring at least a point to stay above the relegation zone. Both sides field experienced line‑ups, with Al Ahli’s midfield maestro Mohammed Al‑Sahlawi driving the attack and Al Kholood relying on winger Saud Al‑Fahad’s speed.
The Teams’ Current Form
Al Kholood
After a solid mid‑table finish in 2024‑25, Al Kholood find themselves just above the relegation line after 14 matches. Their last five league outings record one win, two draws and two defeats, scoring three goals while conceding six. A disciplined defensive performance, led by captain Fahad Al‑Mousa, produced a 1‑0 clean‑sheet victory over Al‑Taawoun.
Al Ahli
Al Ahli sit in the top three, within striking distance of the title. They have secured four wins in their last five fixtures, amassing a 12‑3 goal difference. Striker Abdulaziz Al‑Harbi leads a potent attack, supported by a midfield partnership of Mohammed Al‑Sahlawi and Yousef Al‑Rashidi that dominates possession, averaging 81 % this season.
Head‑to‑Head Overview
The two clubs have met sparingly, with Al Ahli winning two of the last three encounters and drawing once. The most recent clash ended 2‑1 in favor of Al Ahli after a late winner from Al‑Harbi.
Tactical Battle
Al Kholood’s manager Saeed Al‑Qarni plans a compact midfield to disrupt Al Sahlawi’s influence, relying on quick counter‑attacks through Saud Al‑Fahad’s pace and the aerial presence of centre‑forward Mohammed Al‑Jabri, who has netted twice in his last three games.
Al Ahli will press high and circulate the ball, aiming to exploit their superior possession. Young winger Nasser Al‑Bishi, noted for a 70 % dribble success rate in youth competitions, adds width, while the team’s set‑piece efficiency—three of their 12 goals from dead‑balls—could test Al Kholood’s defensive frailties.
What’s at Stake?
For Al Kholood, a win would lift them into the lower mid‑table, providing crucial breathing room before a congested winter schedule. A draw keeps them just one point above relegation, whereas a loss could see them slip three points clear of the drop zone with only ten games remaining.
Al Ahli aim to solidify their third‑place standing with 30 points, securing AFC Champions League qualification and maintaining momentum toward the title chase. A draw preserves their proximity to league leaders; a defeat would hand three points to a direct rival in the championship race.
Outlook
The fixture showcases a classic underdog narrative: Al Kholood’s pragmatic, counter‑attacking resolve against Al Ahli’s fluid, possession‑based style. The result will influence both the title race and the relegation battle, offering a clear indicator of the league’s competitive balance as the season heads into its second half. A single moment—a goal, a penalty, or a defensive lapse—could tip the scales for either side.
