A Riyadh afternoon will see the unfolding of a classic Saudi Pro League narrative as Al Shabab welcome title-chasing Al Ahli SC to the King Fahd Stadium. While the visitors seem to have their eyes firmly set on overtaking the league leaders, Al Shabab find themselves in true test mode—struggling for wins, yet historically stubborn on their home patch. What’s adding further intrigue? Al Shabab, despite their modest standing, extracted a 1-1 draw the last time these sides clashed, evidence that the script is never quite written in advance in this rivalry.
For neutrals and fans alike, two key figures merit special attention. For Al Shabab, Carlos Júnior’s recent burst of form has offered rare attacking spark—they’ll rely on him to trouble an Al Ahli defence that’s looked near impregnable in recent weeks. Meanwhile, all eyes are fixed on Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney, riding high after notching five goals from his last five outings and representing a consistent threat up front.
The “hot stat” for this tie? Al Ahli SC come in boasting an unbeaten streak of 9 matches, securing full points in 7 of those. That form smacks of confidence and cohesion—a gauntlet thrown at Al Shabab’s door.
| 🏆 Tournament: | Saudi Pro League 2025/26 Regular Season |
| 🏟 Venue: | King Fahd Stadium, Riyadh |
| 🗓️ Date: | 13.02.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 15:55 CEST |
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Al Shabab vs Al Ahli SC prediction
There’s an unmistakable whiff of inevitability about Al Ahli SC’s march this season. With an 80% win rate in 2026 and a defensive record that suggests absolute discipline, the odds stacked in their favour (1.55-1.60) feel justified. Al Shabab, while showing glimmers through Carlos Júnior and the energy of Josh Brownhill, remain inconsistent—particularly in the final third, where only 19 goals in 20 matches underlines their limitations.
Expect Al Ahli’s controlled possession and incisive attacking play (fuelled by the form of Toney and Mahrez) to make the difference. Stylistically, Al Ahli are more aggressive: they’ve racked up 12 yellow cards and 73 fouls in just 5 recent matches, and yet their high pass accuracy (83.9%) suggests they rarely lose control of proceedings. Al Shabab, on the other hand, have played with a reactive compactness but often find themselves on the back foot—evident in their fewer fouls but repeated need to soak up pressure.
With Al Ahli rarely conceding, but creating more chances (61 shots to Shabab’s 55 in the last five), a tight win for the visitors seems the most sensible call, especially given Shabab’s home struggles and Al Ahli’s remarkable recent consistency.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Al Ahli SC (-1) Asian Handicap |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Under 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 9.5 |
Team Analysis
Al Shabab’s recent form has been a patchwork of frustration and fleeting resilience. Their most recent outing, the 1-1 draw with Al-Nahda, was emblematic of their season: promising in phases but lacking cutting edge—Carlos Júnior managed the solitary goal, and the defence showed vulnerability against pace on the counter. Their four prior matches reflected an inconsistent picture, including a sobering 0-1 home loss to Al Kholood and a morale-boosting 4-0 rout of Al-Hazem, displaying their occasional threat on the break. However, their struggle to maintain results is evident: just 3 wins in their last 10, and only 5 goals scored across their previous 5 fixtures.
Al Ahli SC, meanwhile, ride an altogether different current. Their goalless draw with Al Wahda was a study in patience; controlled possession and 12 shots ultimately found no reward, yet their defence—anchored by Edouard Mendy and Roger Ibañez—never looked exposed. The four games before saw them net 9 goals, never conceding once, with Toney’s dynamic link play and Mahrez’s creativity coming to the fore. Their well-oiled 4-4-2 has consistently overwhelmed opponents, producing not just results but dominant performances: 4-0 wins against both Al Ettifaq and Al-Hazem underline their attacking credentials, while maintaining a remarkable discipline at the back.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Al Shabab | Al Ahli SC |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 4 | 5 |
| Total shots | 27 | 24 |
| Free kicks | 36 | 34 |
| Corner kicks | 19 | 20 |
| Total fouls | 27 | 29 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 85 | 84 |
| Interceptions | 16 | 19 |
| Offsides | 5 | 7 |
🚨Read our full Al Shabab vs Al Ahli SC stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Al Ahli SC the favourite
- Moneyline Al Shabab 5.00 | Al Ahli SC 1.60
- Draw 4.00
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.05 | Under 2.5 1.70
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.00 | No 1.80
With Al Ahli’s outrageous run of form, their 80% win record, and a back line marshalled by Mendy—odds near the 1.60 mark for an away win feel almost generous. Al Shabab being placed out at 5.00 underlines the bookies’ belief that an upset is highly unlikely. The under 2.5 total goals makes sense given how efficiently Al Ahli shut down games and how infrequently Shabab have scored against top-four opposition. Both teams to score is priced for risk, but Al Ahli’s defensive record points to a clean sheet for the visitors.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
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Possible Starting Lineups

Al Shabab possible starting eleven
- GK: Marcelo Grohe
- DF: Wesley Hoedt, Mohammed Al-Thain, Saad Yaslam Balobaid, Mohammed Al-Shwirekh
- MF: Vincent Sierro, Josh Brownhill, Ali Al-Asmari, Basil Al Sayyali
- FW: Carlos Júnior, Yannick Carrasco
Imanol Alguacil should stick with a compact 4-2-3-1, maximising defensive stability. Expect Grohe’s experience and leadership between the posts, flanked by Hoedt and Al-Thain at centre-back. Sierro and Brownhill anchor the midfield—watch for Brownhill’s late surges forward and Carrasco’s creativity wide. Carlos Júnior is their talisman; if Shabab are to find the net, chances are it’ll involve him.

Al Ahli SC possible starting eleven
- GK: Edouard Mendy
- DF: Roger Ibañez, Rayan Hamed Hamidou, Mohammed Abdulrahman Yousef, Ali Majrashi
- MF: Franck Kessié, Enzo Millot, Ziyad Al-Johani, Riyad Mahrez
- FW: Ivan Toney, Wenderson Galeno
Matthias Jaissle’s favoured 4-4-2 formation is expected, built on athletic fullbacks and a midfield geared for quick transitions. Mendy remains the bedrock in goal, with the physicality of Ibañez at the back. Kessié dictates tempo as a midfield enforcer, while Mahrez provides a touch of genius and vision. Ivan Toney is the spearhead—his recent goal streak speaks for itself—supported ably by Galeno’s tireless pressing.
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Al Ahli SC. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
My take on the Match
Despite a tradition of surprises in this match-up, logic and numbers both nudge us towards an Al Ahli SC win—perhaps a 2-0 scoreline. Their compact midfield, energetic wing play, and red-hot Ivan Toney are likely to unlock Shabab’s defences. Shabab can frustrate and keep things close if Grohe shines in goal, but there’s a visible gulf in squad morale and cohesion. The real question? Can Shabab conjure a moment of magic to tip the odds, or will Al Ahli’s ruthless professionalism – and title ambitions – carry the day yet again? If you’re betting, back Al Ahli with confidence, but don’t rule out a nervy, low-scoring affair especially early on.

