Two teams with contrasting fortunes face off at King Abdullah Sports City as Al Taawoun, riding a strong season, host a struggling Al Shabab side in this Saudi Pro League clash. Entering the match, Al Taawoun are third in the table with an impressive win rate and both solid attack and disciplined defending, while Al Shabab are fighting to turn around a winless run that has put them in a precarious 15th position.
Keep an eye on Roger Martínez of Al Taawoun, who has shown his finishing ability under pressure, and Yannick Carrasco from Al Shabab, who’s lively on the wing and can change the tempo at any moment. Both could be decisive in a match with plenty at stake.
The hot stat: Despite their recent slump, Al Shabab have amassed a whopping 25 corner kicks in their last 5 matches – more than double Al Taawoun’s count, indicating their attacking intent even when not converting chances.
| 🏆 Tournament: | Saudi Pro League 2025/26, Regular Season |
| 🏟 Venue: | King Abdullah Sports City, Buraidah |
| 🗓️ Date: | 09.01.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 17:05 CEST |
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Al Taawoun vs Al Shabab prediction
All evidence points to Al Taawoun as the favorites for this contest. They come into the fixture with a 67 percent win rate over their last three matches, sitting comfortably third in the standings, and have only conceded 14 goals in 12 matches this campaign. Their ability to keep clean sheets (notably two in their last three wins) coupled with a more consistent attacking output positions them well for another three points.
Al Shabab, meanwhile, are mired in a winless streak and have registered just one league win all season, conceding 18 times and scoring only nine goals – one of the lowest tallies in the division. Their away form is a particular concern, with several losses and a defense that has struggled to contain even mid-table sides.
What makes this interesting is the differing approach in team styles. Al Taawoun employ a balanced 3-4-2-1, often asserting midfield control, recycling possession efficiently (pass accuracy of 85.3 percent over their last five matches) and committing relatively few fouls (28). Al Shabab use a more adventurous 4-3-3 but that has led to more turnovers in midfield, a notably high foul count (47 in their last five), 10 yellow cards, and two red cards, suggesting discipline issues and the potential for costly breakdowns.
Expect Al Taawoun to dictate rhythm early. Al Shabab will have to rely on their wide players to test Al Taawoun’s back three but, unless they can convert their high number of corners into something concrete, the hosts look best placed to secure a result.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Al Taawoun -0.5 Asian Handicap |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Under 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 9.5 |
Team Analysis
Al Taawoun have enjoyed a strong run, with their most recent matches highlighting defensive solidity and pragmatic attack. In their last outing, a 0-1 defeat to Al Ittihad, they stayed compact but lacked clinical finishing. Previous matches include a gritty 1-0 over Al Najma and a well-orchestrated 2-0 against Al Kholood, reflecting their ability to close out tight games. Their discipline at the back and creative engine in midfield have been crucial assets.
Al Shabab are finding wins hard to come by, with their most recent 0-2 home loss to Al Fateh exposing defensive gaps and a lack of bite in attack. Prior efforts – including a 2-3 loss to Al Qadsiah and a 0-2 loss to Al Ittihad – were marked by lapses in concentration and discipline (red cards and numerous yellows!), though their 2-2 draw with Al Rayyan demonstrated flashes of attacking potency.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Al Taawoun | Al Shabab |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 3 |
| Total shots | 15 | 18 |
| Free kicks | 22 | 19 |
| Corner kicks | 7 | 10 |
| Total fouls | 27 | 33 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 84 | 81 |
| Interceptions | 16 | 20 |
| Offsides | 6 | 5 |
🚨Read our full Al Taawoun vs Al Shabab stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Al Taawoun the favourite
- Moneyline Al Taawoun 2.04 | Al Shabab 3.55
- Draw 3.40
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.10 | Under 2.5 1.75
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.00 | No 1.80
Al Taawoun are justifiably priced as favorites. Bookmakers have them at a 46 percent implied win probability, reflecting their consistency and superior league position. Al Shabab’s odds are longer, indicating their ongoing struggles both defensively and offensively. Given the recent trends of close, low-scoring fixtures and Al Taawoun’s ability to grind out results, backing the hosts to win with under 2.5 total goals or a ‘No’ on both teams to score looks like strong value.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
Possible Starting Lineups

Al Taawoun possible starting eleven
- GK: Mailson Tenorio dos Santos
- DF: Andrei Girotto, Waleed Al-Ahmed, Mohammed Al-Dossari
- MF: Flávio, Ashraf El Mahdioui, Mohammed Mahzari, Mohammed Bassam Al Hurayji
- FW: Roger Martínez, Sultan Mandash, Cristhoper Zambrano
Chamusca is likely to deploy his reliable 3-4-2-1, favoring defensive organization and a solid midfield screen. Expect Roger Martínez to lead the attack, supported by Sultan Mandash’s movement and Zambrano’s direct play. With a settled defensive core and Mailson in goal, the lineup is built to maintain shape and launch quick transitions. Watch for Flávio’s distribution and Ashraf El Mahdioui’s tactical discipline in midfield.

Al Shabab possible starting eleven
- GK: Abdulaziz Al Awardi
- DF: Wesley Hoedt, Ali Makki, Hussain Al-Sabiyani, Mohammed Al-Shwirekh
- MF: Josh Brownhill, Yacine Adli, Faisal Al-Subiani
- FW: Yannick Carrasco, Abdullah Matuq Ahmed Saeed, Carlos Júnior
Coach Alguacil is expected to stick with a 4-3-3 as he seeks attacking impetus. Carrasco and Carlos Júnior provide creativity and threat from wide areas around the central presence of Abdullah Matuq. In midfield, Adli and Brownhill will try to enforce control and break up play, while Hoedt will anchor an otherwise youthful defense. Still, discipline is key; red and yellow cards have undermined them recently.
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Al Shabab. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
My take on the Match
This fixture heavily favors Al Taawoun, who combine disciplined defense with efficient attack and have a tactical identity that matches their collective confidence. The hosts’ ability to control midfield and minimize risk puts them in the driver’s seat, especially against an Al Shabab outfit low on morale and struggling with discipline. My main pick is a home win for Al Taawoun, potentially to nil, and a contest defined by tactical control and limited clear chances. Expect a professional, patient performance from Chamusca’s men against an opponent fighting for form and answers.

