There is everything to play for at the bottom end of the Saudi Pro League table on Monday, as relegation-threatened Al Wahda make the trip to Dammam to face Al Ettifaq on the final day of the season.
The visitors are 15th with 33 points, two points above the relegation zone heading into the final match of the season.
Match preview
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For Al Wahda, the equation is simple heading into the season finale, avoid defeat and they should be safe, but anything less than that could open the door for Al Okhdood to leapfrog them into safety, sending the Knights of Mecca tumbling into the second tier.
However, the margins are tight, and while recent form has brought a glimmer of hope, the pressure is firmly on ahead of this season finale.
They head into this crucial clash unbeaten in their last four league outings, collecting seven points in that period, and their most recent performance, a gritty 1-1 draw with former champions Al Hilal, showcased their resilience, even if they let a lead slip in stoppage time.
However, history is not on Al Wahda's side, having failed to win any of their last six encounters against Al Ettifaq, with four draws and two defeats in that run, a repeat of that trend could prove costly, especially if results elsewhere go against them.
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Al Ettifaq, meanwhile, head into this fixture with nothing major at stake as seventh place is locked in, with sixth-placed Al Shabab now out of reach.
While there is no continental football or silverware on offer, Saad Al-Shehri's side will still be aiming to wrap up a solid campaign with a flourish.
Since parting ways with Steven Gerrard, Ettifaq have enjoyed a more stable and effective run under Al-Shehri, climbing into the top half of the table, and their 3-1 victory over Al-Ahli last time out ended a two-match goal drought and saw them bounce back with confidence.
The Knight of Ad-Dahna will also take heart from their strong home form, having gone unbeaten in their last four matches on their own turf – winning twice and drawing twice.
Team News
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For Al Ettifaq, they continue to manage without key names Moussa Dembele and Joao Costa, both sidelined with injuries.
Abdullah Radif is expected to lead the line once again, as he aims to build on his modest tally of two league goals this term.
Al Wehda are also dealing with several absences, with Nawaf Al-Azizi out of the season with a cruciate ligament tear.
Goalkeeper Abdullah Al-Oaisher is also nursing a muscle problem that will see him miss Monday's clash.
Al Ettifaq possible starting lineup:
Rodak; M.A., Madu, Al-Khateeb, Otaibi; Medran, Ali; Al Salem, Wijnaldum, Gray; Radif
Al Wahda possible starting lineup:
Al Rashidi; Al Mowalad, Yamiq, Al-Hafith, Al Alaeli; Hejji; Bacuna, Al Makahasi; Bguir; Noor, Ighalo
We say: Al Ettifaq 2-0 Al Wahda
Al Ettifaq are playing with freedom and form, while Al Wehda face the pressure of survival, and though visitors have shown resilience lately, their poor record in this fixture could prove costly, which is why we expect the hosts to edge it narrowly, leaving Al Wehda's fate hanging on other results.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
