Matchday two of the 2023 Saudi Pro League season sees Abha entertain the challenge of Al Raed at Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium on Saturday.
Off the back of defeats in their respective involvements last time out, both sides will be looking to get back to winning ways as soon as possible.
Match preview
Abha were on the receiving end of a disappointing 3-1 thrashing at the hands of Arab cup beaten finalists Al Hilal in Sunday's curtain-raiser.
Czesław Michniewicz's men went behind to Malcolm's opener just past the half-hour mark but wasted no time in drawing level through Saad Bguir before Malcolm grabbed two further strikes in the second period to settle the contest.
That was the first loss in three matches across all competitions for Zaeem Al-Janoub since last season's closing fixture against Al Khaleej back in May.
Coming up next is the challenge of an opposing outfit who have proven to be a tough nut to crack of late, with the last four encounters split evenly into two wins apiece.
Having been beaten in both of their last two competitive outings on home turf, Saturday's hosts will need to turn things around in front of their fans if they are to avoid another relegation-threatened campaign.
Al Raed fell to a comprehensive 3-0 defeat against Al Ittihad when the sides went head-to-head at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium on Monday.
Following a relatively uneventful opening 45 minutes, Abderrazak Hamdallah's opener followed by an Igor Coronado double put Igor Jovicevic's men to the sword in a largely one-sided affair.
As a result, the Buraidah-based side are now without a win in their last five matches, suffering three defeats and managing two stalemates.
Looking for what would be only a first away triumph since the middle of April, Saturday's visitors have work to do at both ends of the pitch.
Team News
Grzegorz Krychowiak wasted no time in delivering the goods for Abha following a superb assist last time out, and the midfielder is one to keep an eye on.
Ciprian Tatarusanu will be pushing for a first outing between the sticks having recently joined the home side as a free agent last Thursday.
New arrival Firas Al Ghamdi was only deemed fit enough to make the Al Raed bench last time out, but the 23-year-old could be handed a starting berth here.
Mohammed Fouzair put on a man-of-the-match performance in the last edition of Saturday's fixture, and the forward will be looking to deliver the goods once again.
Abha possible starting lineup:
Epassy; Naji, Al Sudani, Jamal, Al Qumayzi; Kamano, Matic, Krychowiak, Jumayah; Al Salouli, Bguir
Al Raed possible starting lineup:
Al Harbi; Al-Sobeai, Al Fahad, Whaeshi, Al Jayzani; Sunbul, Loum, Al Beshe, Al Dossary; Sayoud, El Berkaoui
We say: Abha 1-0 Al Raed
Goals have been at a premium for both teams of late and we are anticipating a nervy and cagey affair here. That said, we are also backing the home side to come out on top by the odd goal.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
