Al-Ettifaq Club vs Al Faisaly

Al Ettifaq host Al-Faisaly in a fixture that means more for the visitors this early on. Freshly promoted after four years in the second tier, Al-Faisaly face a tough top-flight return, while Al Ettifaq begin a new era under manager Arthur Papas, with the season shaping up as anything from a continental push to a relegation fight. Ettifaq's form has been mixed — a 1-0 win over Al Fateh and a spirited 2-3 loss to Al Nassr either side of a heavy defeat to Al Diriyah. New arrival Ondrej Duda already has a goal, alongside Moussa Dembélé, their sharpest attacking outlet. Al-Faisaly, largely rebuilt through free transfers from rival clubs, have struggled for results and conceded more penalties than anyone else this season. Al Ettifaq hold the historical edge too, unbeaten in five straight meetings. With Al-Faisaly's defense shaky and Al Ettifaq finding rhythm going forward, home advantage should count. Our prediction: 2-1