Al-Ahli Jeddah — Al-Shabab Riyadh : Match Preview and Prediction for October 17,2025

Al-Ahli Jeddah’s Formidable Attack

Al-Ahli approaches this match boasting a formidable attacking lineup. Season statistics speak for themselves: the team currently ranks third in the league for both total shots and shots taken from inside the penalty area. Furthermore, they are virtually unrivaled in the league when it comes to the number of accurate crosses delivered, highlighting their offensive precision.

Recent Goal-Scoring Prowess

Recent results only serve to underscore this strong offensive inclination. The team successfully netted two goals against Al-Duhail in the AFC Champions League, scored three goals past Al-Hilal, and delivered a dominant performance with four goals against Nasaf. Moreover, Al-Ahli currently holds the longest active scoring streak against teams from Riyadh, having found the net in 12 consecutive encounters.

Defensive Vulnerabilities and Key Injury

However, their defensive capabilities raise serious questions, and this specific area holds the key to our prediction. The team’s primary central defender, the Brazilian Roger Ibanez, is unfortunately sidelined due to injury. He is widely considered the bedrock of their defensive line, making his absence a truly palpable and significant loss. It comes as no surprise, given his pivotal role in the club’s recent successes and defensive stability.

Al-Shabab’s Star Player: Yannick Carrasco

Al-Shabab might be positioned in the middle of the table, yet they possess a significant ace up their sleeve. We are, of course, referring to the Belgian international, Yannick Carrasco. This player is currently in sensational form, having found the back of the net in his team’s last three league matches consecutively.

Carrasco’s History Against Al-Ahli

Furthermore, Al-Ahli appears to be his favored opponent. In previous encounters against the team from Jeddah, Carrasco has directly contributed to three goals, scoring one himself and providing two crucial assists. Considering the noticeable defensive void that will likely emerge in the hosts’ central defense following Ibanez’s injury, the Belgian forward will undoubtedly have ample opportunities to trouble the goalkeeper once again.

Consistent “Both Teams to Score” Trend

It’s also impossible to ignore the ironclad trends surrounding Al-Shabab’s matches. In 13 of their last 15 away fixtures, both teams have managed to score. This compelling statistic is more eloquent than any words, clearly indicating that Al-Shabab tends to both play an attacking style of football and, in turn, allows their opponents opportunities to find the net.