Abha take on Al Fayha at the Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium on Monday evening, in the latest round of Saudi Pro League fixtures.
After three games, the hosts are currently sitting 11th in the table, two points behind the visitors, who are in seventh place.
Match preview
Abha have had a mixed start to the season, having won one of their three games, although that sole victory came on home soil, which should give them confidence heading into Monday's game.
The Leaders of the South chalked up a 1-0 victory against Al Raed earlier this month, with Omar Al Ruwaili scoring the only goal of the game in the second half, but they have struggled in their other matches.
On the opening day of the campaign, Czeslaw Michniewicz's side were soundly beaten at home against Al Hilal, with Malcom scoring a hat-trick for the visitors to secure a 3-1 win, and the manager may be even more concerned by his team's performance in the last match.
In a trip to Al Taawon on Friday night, Abha lost 1-0, having only recorded one shot on target in the entire match, meaning they are now sitting in mid-table at this early stage in the season.
Up next for Michniewicz's side is another tough test, against a side they have beaten only once in a total of nine previous meetings, with that victory coming back in March 2020.
Al Fayha have often got the better of their upcoming opponents in recent times, and they have made a fairly solid start to the season, winning one and drawing two of their opening three games.
Despite finishing level on points with Abha last season, the Orange have looked much better in the current campaign, kicking their season off with a 3-1 victory at home against Al Khaleej on the opening day, scoring with all three shots on target.
Vuk Rasovic's side have not been quite as prolific in their other matches, both of which they have drawn, but they did very well to pick up a point away against a very strong Al Hilal side, with Fashion Sakala getting on the scoresheet for the second game on the spin.
The former Rangers man was unable to extend his run of goals last time out, but Al Fahya managed to make it three games unbeaten, playing out a 0-0 draw at home against Al Hazem in what was a drab affair, with just two shots on target in the entire match.
Team News
Abha were poor in front of goal last time out, so Michniewicz may choose to bring striker Al Ruwaili back into the starting lineup, with Fahad Jumayah potentially dropping to the bench.
Saad Bguir is the hosts' only other player to have scored so far this season, and the Tunisian is poised to start in an advanced midfield role, just in front of the experienced European duo of Uros Matic and Grzegorz Krychowiak.
Al Fayha's main attacking threat is Sakala, who already has two goals and one assist to his name in the Saudi Pro League this season, and the Zambian is set to lead the line on his own.
Sultan Mandash and Ricardo have also been on the scoresheet this season, with the former set to start on the wing, but the latter has not been involved in the last two matches and could miss out again.
Abha possible starting lineup:
Tatarusanu; Al Qumayzi, Nogeura, Al Sudani, Naji; Matic, Krychowiak, Jumayah, Bguir, Kamano; Jaber
Al Fayha possible starting lineup:
Stojkovic; Al Baqawi, Al Rashidi, Al Khaibari, Al Shuwaish, Al Qaydhi; Mandash, Cimirot, Ruiz, Onyekuru; Sakala
We say: Abha 1-1 Al Fayha
Abha and Al Fayha were two of the most evenly-matched sides in the Saudi Pro League last season, finishing on the same points total.
As such, we think the spoils will be shared on Monday evening, with Al Fahya extending their unbeaten run to four games.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Dominic Lund
