- All roads will lead to the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium, Jeddah, Saturday tonight as soccer fans witness the final encounter that will determine who will be the next Saudi Professional League champions.
Al-Shabab, who top the league table with an unbeaten record, or Al-Ahli, who are placed second.
This year, the league took an unusual and exciting turn. For the first time since 2004/05 season, the dominating team has always been Al-Hilal. This year, we will be witnessing a new champion.
The two competing teams did well and both are hungry for this championship especially Ahli, who won it only twice with their recent as dating back to 1983/84 season. Shabab’s last league title was 2005/06 when they beat Hilal.
This is the most awaited title for both teams and everyone believes that it won’t be easy. Shabab needs only a draw to be crowned champions while Ahli needs a win to get the gold. Their coaches are also the best this season. Shabab’s is the ex Belgian goalie, Michel Preud’homme who set a stunning record for Shabab for not losing any match. On the other side, the Czech genius, Karel Jarolím, has made Ahli a well-organized outfit and fearful outfit.
The strength of both teams vary. Shabab have a very good defense line, while Ahli’s strength lies greatly with their foreign players.
The best strikers in the league are found in both teams with the Brazilian Victor Semois, who also happens to be the best foreign player this season with 21 goals in favor of Ahli.
Nasser Alshamrani, on the other hand from Shabab, is considered by many the best Saudi striker with 20 goals. As for the goalkeepers, both teams have two of the best goalies in Saudi Arabia.
Now, if we talk about their weaknesses, Shabab’s foreign players are not really up to the mark while the midfielders are the weakest of them all.
Ahli’s weakness lies in their defense, who are not aggressive as they should be.
So who will make their fans happy? Your guess is as good as mine.
Lets see, which players and coach will stay calm and would use the opposing team’s weakness to their advantage. If you are at home tonight or with your friends outside, don’t miss the thriller tonight.

