With nothing left to play for but pride, already-relegated Al Raed will welcome Al Kholood to King Abdullah Sport City Stadium for their final outing of the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season.
The hosts will be looking to bow out on a respectable note in front of their fans, while the visitors arrive safe in mid-table and hoping to finish their historic debut top-flight campaign on a high.
Match preview
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Al Raed's fate was sealed weeks ago, bringing an end to their 17-year stay in the top flight in a season that unravelled painfully for Kresimir Rezic and his men.
Their most recent outing ended in yet another defeat, falling 1-0 away to Al Okhdood to mark a fifth successive reverse and the third time in 2025 they have slumped to such a run.
Despite propping up the table, Al Raed have not been shy in front of goal this season, netting 41 times in 33 matches, with this return eclipsing the attacking output of seven other sides in the division.
However, their defensive shortcomings have been particularly pronounced, with 65 goals conceded – the joint second-worst record in the league.
Even with their fate already confirmed, Al Raed will want to avoid signing off with a whimper, though their record at home paints a bleak picture, with 10 consecutive matches without a win and just one draw to show for it.
In contrast, Al Kholood will travel to Buraidah with heads high and spirits lifted, having already secured survival in what has been a memorable first-ever top-flight season.
The debutants had endured a difficult spell earlier but are now starting to find their rhythm once more, having won two of their last three matches after a six-game losing streak threatened to undo their impressive efforts.
Although their home form has been relatively solid, Al Kholood's away displays have been a concern, with eight straight losses on the road coupled with 25 goals conceded during that torrid sequence.
Their last point on the road came all the way back on January 10, when Fakhr Ar Rass stunned Al Etifaq 3-2, following a 2-1 victory at Al Okhdood.
However, Al Kholood can be optimistic about securing a result on Monday, having beaten Al Raed in the reverse fixture — the only previous meeting between the two sides.
Team News
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Karim El Berkaoui remains Al Raed's top scorer with 11 goals to his name, though the Moroccan will be aiming to end his three-game drought as he leads the line once again.
Amir Sayoud is in danger of missing a second consecutive outing for Al Raed, having been left out of the squad entirely last time out.
Portuguese shot-stopper Andre Moreira is expected to retain his spot between the posts once again.
Mohammed Sawaan is another potential absentee, with the midfielder sidelined during the defeat to Al Okhdood and not guaranteed to return.
As for the visitors, head coach Noureddine Zekri is unlikely to tinker much with the side that claimed victory in their previous outing, with Hammam Al-Hammami and Aliu Dieng – both of whom found the net – set to continue in a four-man attacking midfield unit behind Jackson Muleka.
Myziane Maolida, who has led the scoring charts for Al Kholood in the league this season, is set to feature once more as he looks to build on his impressive tally of 14 goals.
Al Raed possible starting lineup:
Moreira; Al-Rajeh, Gonzalez, Qasmi, Al-Jayzani; Hazazi; Al-Amri, Abeid, Bouzok, Al Khaibri; El Berkaoui
Al Kholood possible starting lineup:
Grohe; Al-Hawsawi, Troost-Ekong, Gyomber, Al-Safari; N'Doram; Al-Hammami, Collado, Dieng, Maolida; Muleka
We say: Al Raed 1-1 Al Kholood
Al Raed will be desperate to leave the top flight with pride, while Al Kholood's away struggles linger despite a recent uptick in form – making a share of the spoils a likely outcome.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
