Al Riyadh vs Al Ettifaq (0:2): Saudi Professional League 25/12/2025

December 25, 2025

Status: Finished

0-2

Saudi Professional League

Al Riyadh

Al Ettifaq

Al Riyadh host Al Ettifaq in a crucial mid-table clash at Prince Turki bin Abdul Aziz Stadium in Riyadh on Thursday, December 25, 2025. The match kicks off at 17:30 GMT+0 as part of matchweek 11 in the Saudi Professional League. No specific referee has been confirmed in available reports, but the fixture arrives after a month-long break due to the FIFA Arab Cup schedule.

This encounter pits Al Riyadh (currently 14th with 8 points) against Al Ettifaq (9th with 12 points), both seeking momentum post-holiday pause. Al Riyadh aim to climb away from the relegation zone, while Al Ettifaq target a top-half finish.

BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS

This preview examines the key elements shaping the outcome of Al Riyadh vs Al Ettifaq prediction today. Recent form, head-to-head trends, and squad availability will dictate how these teams approach the contest. With both sides returning from a long break, rust could play a role, but motivation remains high for points in the tight mid-table battle. Expect a cautious start as teams shake off inactivity. The match promises tactical intrigue in the Saudi Pro League.

Al Riyadh Results

Al Riyadh enter this fixture after a challenging run, sitting near the drop zone with only two wins in nine league games. Their defense has leaked goals consistently, while attack relies heavily on individual moments. The break may have allowed regrouping under coach Daniel Carreno.

The table highlights a winless streak in four of the last five games, with just one victory. Al Riyadh have struggled to score consistently, netting only 10 league goals this season. Draws show resilience, but losses expose defensive frailties. The break offers a chance to reset, yet form suggests they remain vulnerable at home.

Al Ettifaq Results

Al Ettifaq arrive in better shape, unbeaten in their last three league outings before the pause. They sit four points above their opponents and aim to capitalize on momentum under Saad Al Shehri. Their attack has shown promise despite defensive inconsistencies.

The recent unbeaten run in three games contrasts with earlier heavy defeats. Al Ettifaq have scored in most outings but conceded in their last eight across competitions. This form positions them as favorites, especially with attacking threats like Moussa Dembele and Georginio Wijnaldum.

Who will win Thursday’s Saudi Professional League clash between Al Riyadh and Al Ettifaq?

Al Riyadh > Draw > Al Ettifaq >

Al Riyadh

31%

Draw

28%

Al Ettifaq

41%

Al Riyadh vs Al Ettifaq Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

Head-to-head encounters have been low-scoring, with Al Ettifaq holding a slight edge recently. Al Riyadh have struggled to break through against them.

The record shows tight, low-scoring games with no both-teams-to-score in the last five. Al Ettifaq won two of the recent three league meetings, while draws and narrow wins dominate. This suggests a cagey affair with few goals expected.

Predicted Lineups for Al Riyadh vs Al Ettifaq

The predicted starting lineups below are based on the latest team news, recent formations, and expected tactical setups ahead of the Saudi Professional League clash on December 25, 2025. These are educated projections, as official lineups are confirmed closer to kickoff. Both coaches may adjust based on fitness and strategy.

Al Riyadh possible starting lineup:

Borjan (GK) – Al-Boardi (DF), Alkhaibari (DF), Barbet (DF), Hazazi (DF) – Okou (MF), Toze (MF), Gonzalez (MF), Sahlouli (MF) – Sylla (FW), Haji (FW)

Al Ettifaq possible starting lineup:

Rodak (GK) – Khateeb (DF), Hendry (DF), Hindi (DF), Calvo (DF) – Mukhtar (MF), Medran (MF) – Nkota (MF), Wijnaldum (MF), Dawran (FW) – Dembele (FW)

Key Match Factors to Consider

The month-long break adds uncertainty, but several elements stand out ahead of kickoff. Both teams have time to prepare, yet rust and motivation will influence the outcome. Al Ettifaq’s recent momentum gives them an edge.

• Al Riyadh have no reported injuries and a full squad available;
• Al Ettifaq miss Joao Costa through injury but otherwise have a fit squa;
• Al Riyadh sit 14th with only two league wins this season;
• Al Ettifaq are unbeaten in their last three league games before the pause;
• Mamadou Sylla remains Al Riyadh’s key threat with recent goals;
• Moussa Dembele scored a brace in Al Ettifaq’s last win;
• Both teams have conceded in recent matches (Al Ettifaq in last eight);
• Historical H2H favors low-scoring outcomes;
• Al Riyadh desperate for points to avoid relegation zone;
• Al Ettifaq aim for top-half security.

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Free Tips on Al Riyadh vs Al Ettifaq

The following free betting tips are tailored specifically to the upcoming Al Riyadh vs Al Ettifaq clash in the Saudi Professional League. They draw from detailed statistical trends, historical patterns, and contextual factors that often decide outcomes in this fixture. These insights help identify potential value without relying on the same elements already covered in the key match factors section.

• Low-scoring trend in H2H: The last five meetings between Al Riyadh and Al Ettifaq produced only six goals combined, with three clean sheets and no BTTS. This suggests betting on Under 2.5 goals or No Both Teams to Score could offer consistent value in this matchup.
• Home defensive solidity for Al Riyadh: In their last five home league games, Al Riyadh have conceded just four goals and kept three clean sheets. Given their tendency to grind out results at Prince Turki bin Abdul Aziz Stadium, backing them on a +0.5 Asian Handicap or Under 3.5 goals in home matches often proves reliable.
• Al Ettifaq’s away scoring drought against mid-table sides: In their last three away games against teams outside the top eight, Al Ettifaq managed only two goals and failed to score in two of them. This makes Al Ettifaq to Win & Under 3.5 Goals a potentially profitable angle if they take the lead early.
• Player form impact on goal markets: Mamadou Sylla has been Al Riyadh’s main attacking outlet recently, scoring in three of his last five starts. Pairing his Anytime Goalscorer market with a cautious total goals line could yield returns, especially if Al Ettifaq’s defense remains vulnerable to set-pieces.
• Motivation differential in the league table: Al Riyadh are just two points above the relegation zone and desperately need a home win, while Al Ettifaq sit comfortably mid-table. This imbalance often leads to home teams overperforming in such scenarios, supporting a Double Chance (Al Riyadh or Draw) bet as a safer option.

Al Riyadh vs Al Ettifaq Match Prediction

Al Riyadh vs Al Ettifaq odds favor the visitors slightly, with Al Ettifaq seen as the stronger side on current form. The hosts have struggled for wins and goals, while Al Ettifaq show attacking intent despite defensive issues. The long break may favor the team with better momentum, which is Al Ettifaq. Expect a tight, low-scoring game given H2H trends, but Al Ettifaq’s quality should shine through. A narrow away win or draw appears most likely, with BTTS possible due to recent defensive lapses. Al Ettifaq’s superior position and recent results make them the value pick. Overall, a cautious contest where one moment could decide it.

Our Prediction: Al Riyadh 0-1 Al Ettifaq

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