Al Hilal slips once again, and each of their rivals capitalise on this error. In the meantime, Al Shabab looks reborn. Let’s recap the key events of the latest round of the Roshn Saudi League!
The title race is tighter than ever.
Where are now the doomsayers, who predicted that Ronaldo and co have no chance to beat Al Hilal boosted with Benzema? Well, Benzema is out injured, and Al Taawoun keeps a deserved point at home in Buraidah, much to the annoyance of the Blue Waves.
In fact, not only Al Nassr, but Al Ahli also leapfrogged Al Hilal on the table. While Al Nassr ensured victory with a stylish 0-5 win over poor Al Najmah, Al Ahli narrowly bested Damac with a Kessié goal in a match, which really could have gone either way. Nevertheless, they say that good teams survive the days when they are out of form, and the reigning Champions of Asia did just that.
But don’t forget about Al Qadsiah, too. They have been a solid team ever since their promotion, however, they seem to have levelled up following the arrival of Brendan Rodgers mid-season. They still have a chance to have a say in the title race.
So: Al Nassr, Al Ahli, Al Hilal or Al Qadsiah? What are your bets? Given our poor track record, we’d rather not take one, and just sit back and enjoy, instead.
Al Shabab looks reborn.
We are delighted to see that new head coach Noureddine Zekri lifted the White Lions. Al Shabab is a big team and the Roshn Saudi League needs a good Al Shabab.
While it’s still too early to pass a judgment on the new regime, two convincing wins in a row speak for themselves. Although one thing remains unchanged: Carrasco is having an outstanding season, and he entertained us with a hat-trick against Al Riyadh. The big test lies ahead: the next stop is another Riyadhi derby, this time against Al Hilal.
Al Khaleej changed a lot, still changed little.
Let’s talk about Al Khaleej. The squad went through a big overhaul in the summer, and especially the offensive department around Fortounis was reshaped. It was difficult to predict how things will work out, but the team looks solid and sharp, and the signing of Joshua King is one of the best piece of business made in the entire league.
Yet, Al Khaleej doesn’t change much. On their day, they can beat anyone. There is so much offensive depth in this team that none shall stop them when they turn on. However, when it’s not that day … then comes Al Kholood and takes all three points against them. Just like last season.
