RIYADH — The Saudi Pro League rolls into match week 29 with Al Riyadh hosting Al Fateh on April 24, a gritty battle set to unfold at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium. Both sides are hungry to claw their way up the table, with Al Riyadh stuck in a four-game winless rut and Al Fateh riding a wave of recent form under coach Jose Gomes. Here’s the lowdown on what to expect—lineups, betting odds, and key details, straight from the wire.
Al Riyadh, managed by Sabri Lamouchi, sit ninth in the league with 34 points from 28 matches. Their latest outing, a 1-0 loss to Al Ettifaq on April 16, exposed defensive lapses that cost them late. The team’s official social media posted training clips on April 20, showing drills focused on tightening up at the back. Expect goalkeeper Martin Campana to anchor the defense, with captain Mohammed Al-Shwirekh marshalling the center. Midfielders Yahya Al-Shehri and Lucas Kal will likely pull the strings, feeding striker Andre Gray, who’s bagged six goals this season. A possible lineup: Campana; Al-Khalaf, Al-Shwirekh, Al-Nasser, Al-Harajin; Al-Shehri, Kal, Toure; Al-Aqel, Gray, Al-Zaqaan.
Al Fateh, sitting just two points behind in 11th, have turned heads with three wins in their last five. A 3-1 victory over Al Ittihad on April 10 showcased their attacking bite, led by Moroccan star Mourad Batna. The 34-year-old winger has nine goals and four assists in 22 appearances, making him the danger man to watch. Coach Gomes, credited with steering the team clear of the relegation zone, will likely lean on Batna’s flair alongside striker Saad Al-Sharfa. The defense, anchored by Qasim Lajami, has shown steel, conceding just twice in their last three games. A likely lineup: Al-Awais; Al-Najdi, Lajami, Saadane, Al-Yousif; Al-Oujami, Bendebka; Batna, Zelarayan, Al-Sharfa; Djaniny.
Betting markets reflect the tight contest. As of April 23, bookmakers list a draw as the favorite at 2.90 odds, with Al Riyadh’s home win at 2.45 and Al Fateh’s away victory at 2.75. Over 2.5 goals sits at 1.85, hinting at a potential goal-fest, while both teams to score is priced at 1.65. First-half draw bets are trending at 2.00, given both sides’ cautious starts in recent matches. These figures come from official betting platforms tracking the league.
The teams met earlier this season on November 2, 2024, with Al Fateh edging a 2-1 win at home. Al Riyadh’s lone goal came from a Gray penalty, but Batna’s brace sealed the deal. Historically, Al Fateh have won three of the last five head-to-heads, with one draw and one Al Riyadh victory. No major injuries were reported for either side as of April 22, though Al Riyadh’s Didier Ndong is a doubt after limping off against Al Ettifaq.
The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. local time on April 24, broadcast live on SSC Sports. Al Riyadh’s official account urged fans to pack the stands, posting, “Our home, our fight—be there.” Al Fateh’s camp, meanwhile, shared a clip of Gomes rallying the squad, signaling they’re ready to spoil the party. With both teams desperate for points, expect a scrappy, high-stakes duel in the desert heat.
Referee Sami Al-Jires will officiate, with VAR in place. The weather forecast for Riyadh predicts clear skies and 28°C at kickoff. Ticket prices start at 30 SAR, per the club’s ticketing portal.