Al-Ettifaq vs Al Riyadh Prediction 09.04.2026 | Saudi Pro League

Al-Ettifaq head into Thursday evening’s showdown from seventh place, buoyed by a morale-boosting 3-2 victory over continental hopefuls Al Qadsiah on Monday, a thrilling five-goal encounter that brought an end to their frustrating four-match winless run (D1 L3).

Despite occupying a respectable mid-table position, the Knights of Ad-Dahna have struggled for defensive solidity at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium in recent outings, with their backline breached five times across their last three home fixtures, a weakness they must address if they are to mount a late push for a top-six finish.

Nevertheless, the Greens’ recent home form offers plenty of encouragement, as Saad Al-Shehri’s men have collected an impressive 13 points from the last 15 available on their own turf, suggesting that confidence within the camp remains high heading into this clash.

On the personnel front, Al-Ettifaq are close to full strength, with no fresh injury concerns reported, and the head coach is expected to name a similar lineup to the one that overcame Al Qadsiah, although Abdullah Ahmed Khateeb remains a minor doubt after being forced off early in that encounter.

Al Riyadh make the trip to Dammam locked in a fierce battle for survival in the Saudi Pro League, currently occupying a perilous 16th place in the standings, yet they arrive with renewed belief following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Al-Shabab last Sunday.

That valuable point came on the back of an eye-catching 3-1 victory over reigning champions Al-Ittihad in mid-March, underlining their ability to trouble even the division’s elite, although persistent travel struggles remain a major concern, having conceded a league-high 31 goals on the road this season.

Encouraged by their success in upsetting stronger opponents through a disciplined low defensive block, the Red and Blacks will view Al-Ettifaq’s defensive vulnerabilities as a prime opportunity to claim a statement result and potentially ignite a late-season escape from the relegation zone.

Head coach Mauricio Dulac will also take confidence from having a fully fit squad at his disposal for Thursday’s crucial encounter, with the likelihood of naming an unchanged starting XI that has recently provided a genuine spark of hope in their fight for survival.