The festive season is still ongoing and in the next few days, we’ll see the final set of fixtures in the Saudi Pro League before they go on their festive break. We’re over half way through the campaign and although many teams know what they’re aiming for, there are bound to be a few twists and turns in the months ahead. Today, we’ll be taking a look at a fun clash between Al-Ettifaq and Al-Hazm.
Al-Ettifaq Form GuideWhile they haven’t exactly won nothing throughout their illustrious history, it’s safe to say that Al-Ettifaq haven’t been one of the most prolific teams in Saudi Arabia as of late. They’ve flourished on occasion, but it’s largely been a couple of decades since they were seen as legitimate challengers, which is why there’s been so much investment put into the squad in recent times.
Following on from a dramatic encounter with Al-Shabab in which they drew 0-0 with a red card each, Al-Ettifaq fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to Al-Taawoun. They proceeded to go on the road to face Al-Nassr, and while they did put up a fight, they fell to a 3-1 loss.
Al-Hazm Form GuideIn terms of standard championship success, that isn’t really how Al-Hazm should be measured - at least, not in the eyes of diehard supporters. They spent six seasons in the top flight prior to their most recent relegation, and when you take a look at how hard they grafted to get through the regional scene, it’s safe to say that they’ll put everything on the line in the name of preserving their current status.
Al-Hazm looked really strong at home to Al Fateh in a convincing 2-0 win, and then on the road against Abha, they weren’t quite as fortunate as they were held to a 1-1 draw. In their most recent outing, against Al-Ahli, they were torn apart in a comprehensive 4-0 defeat.
Match PredictionAl-Ettifaq and Al-Hazm can mix it up with the best of them when they desire to do so but it isn’t always quite that simple. Sometimes, they come unstuck, and we have a feeling that they’ll struggle to pull the trigger in this encounter. Because of that, we’re predicting a draw.