Al Ahli v Abha: Saudi Pro League 2026-27 matchday two preview, Aug 22

Al Ahli will host Abha at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Jeddah on August 22 in a Saudi Pro League 2026-27 matchday two fixture; kick-off is scheduled for 11:30 pm IST (06:00 pm GMT/02:00 pm ET/11:00 am PT).

Al Ahli arrive off a season in which they won the AFC Champions League Elite and finished third in the Saudi Pro League, accumulating 81 points, and opened the 2026-27 campaign with a 1-0 victory over Diriyah. Abha began their season with a 2-1 defeat to Al-Hazem and followed that with a penalty shootout loss to Al-Orobah; their manager is Damir Burić. Recent form lines provided are Al Ahli (in all competitions): L-L-D-W-W and Abha (in all competitions): L-L-D-L-L.

The preview notes a Portuguese winger at Al Ahli who has previously played for FC Barcelona, Wolverhampton and Sporting CP, joined the club in July and made his debut against Al Diriyah, impressing with his technical ability and dribbling. The article describes him as one of the most talented attackers in world football and says he caught attention in that first appearance.

Mohammed Al-Dosari was one of Abha’s positives from their match with Al-Hazem, scoring the club’s only goal after they fell 2-0 behind in the first half. The piece highlights his offensive contribution and refers to his tackling and defending qualities.

Edouard Mendy and Abdullah Otayf will be unavailable for the home side due to their respective injuries. Abha, on the other hand, will have their entire squad available for the game against Al Ahli.

Probable lineups as listed: Sanbi (GK); Hamed, Demiral, Ibanez, Hawsawi; Edoa, Aljohani, Spertsyan; Trincão, Toney, Galeno Léon (GK); Al-Dosari, Gaari, Diallo, Aljohani; Al-Daajani, Al-Ghamdi, Rosier; Al-Zaid, Darisi, Gory.

The last meeting between these two teams ended in a 5-1 win for Al Ahli; the match will be streamed live on FanCode in India and the preview gives a prediction of Al Ahli 2-1 Abha.