Al Shabab vs Al Qadsiah prediction 31.12.2025 | Saudi Pro League

Late November was rough for Al Shabab. The King Cup quarter-final exit stung, especially conceding four goals in a single match for the first time in eleven outings. Alguacil hoped that setback might spark a reaction, but the league offered no such mercy.

A 2-0 loss away to Al Ittihad followed, and suddenly the White Lions are winless in five, with three defeats and two draws. The margin for error is thin now. One more slip, and the relegation conversation gets louder.

Home form is the one small comfort. Al Shabab have lost just once in their last five at King Fahd Stadium, and supporters are clinging to that stat with some justification.

Selection-wise, Nawaf Al Ghulaimish’s early withdrawal against Al Ittihad after 39 minutes raised eyebrows, and it would not be shocking if he starts this one from the bench.

Saad Al-Mousa is edging closer after an ankle issue but won’t be rushed back here. Houssem Aouar remains sidelined with a muscle problem, which limits creativity in midfield more than the squad would like to admit.

Al Qadsiah also tasted cup frustration, bowing out at the quarter-final stage. The difference was in the manner. Brendan Rodgers’ side showed real bite, fighting back to draw 3-3 before losing on penalties.

That resilience didn’t quite carry into the weekend, though. A 1-1 draw with Damac extended their winless run to three league matches.

Away from home, results have been uneven. Two defeats in the last three road games are hardly ideal, although the Knights of the East have still been scoring at a healthy rate.

Averaging two goals per game across their last six outings keeps confidence intact, even when results wobble. Mateo Retegui’s equaliser against Damac took him to six league goals, matching Julián Quiñones, and the pair look set to start together again.