Al Ettifaq vs Al Akhdoud Prediction 02.01.2026 | Saudi Pro League

Al-Ettifaq currently occupy eighth place in the Saudi Pro League standings, a classic mid-table position that reflects their uneven start to the campaign, with a string of dropped points leaving their ambitions of a top-three finish looking increasingly unrealistic at this stage.

After a challenging opening phase to the season, the Knights of Ad-Dahna have begun to steady the ship in recent weeks, a resurgence highlighted by an impressive display of resilience against title contenders Al Nassr, where they battled to a thrilling four-goal draw, becoming the first side this season to take points off the Riyadh giants.

On home soil, the Dammam-based outfit have shown encouraging signs, suffering just one defeat across their opening six league matches at their own ground, although three draws during that stretch underline the need for greater cutting edge if they are to turn promising performances into meaningful upward momentum.

In terms of team news, right winger Mohau Nkota remains absent as he continues his international commitments with South Africa at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, while Joao Costa is also sidelined after recently picking up an injury.

Currently stranded in 17th place in the Saudi Pro League, Al-Okhdood are facing a daunting battle to avoid relegation, having scraped together a meager five points from their opening 11 top-flight fixtures, a tally that leaves them deep in the relegation mire.

Their main struggles stem from an extremely leaky defense, which has already conceded 22 goals this season—one of the highest tallies in the division—contributing to a worrying goal difference of -13. With just nine goals scored, it’s clear that the Najran-based side are struggling at both ends of the pitch.

A turnaround in form is desperately needed if Al-Okhdood are to escape the relegation trap, but recent performances paint a bleak picture, as the Blue-Whites have collected only a single point from their last four Saudi Pro League outings (D1 L3).

As things stand, there are no reported injuries or suspensions ahead of their clash with Al-Ettifaq, suggesting that manager Paulo Sergio should have most of his squad available, provided there are no last-minute fitness concerns.