The Saudi Pro League is set to deliver another intriguing fixture as Al-Fayha host Al-Shabab at the Al-Majma’ah Sports City Stadium. With the season now underway, both teams will be keen to establish early momentum or consolidate their position in what promises to be a fiercely contested campaign. This clash, happening on September 19, 2025, at 15:35 UTC, isn’t just a battle for three points; it’s an opportunity for Al-Fayha to assert dominance on home turf against a historically stronger opponent, while Al-Shabab aims to continue their push for the upper echelons of the league. Will Al-Fayha leverage their home advantage in Al-Majma’ah, or will Al-Shabab’s recent history of success in this fixture prevail?
Head-to-Head Showdown
Encounters between Al-Fayha and Al-Shabab have often favored the latter. In their 16 recorded matches across various competitions, Al-Shabab has secured 11 victories, while Al-Fayha has managed only 3 wins, with 2 matches ending in a draw. Another source indicates 14 matches, with Al-Fayha winning 3, Al-Shabab winning 9, and 2 draws. On average, these direct matches have seen approximately 2.93 goals per game.
Recent Meetings (Last 5)
- 2025/05/26: Al-Fayha vs Al-Shabab FC (Result unknown, but listed as a league fixture)
- 2025/01/27: Al-Shabab FC vs Al-Fayha (Result unknown, but listed as a league fixture)
- 2025/01/06: Al-Shabab FC vs Al-Fayha (King’s Cup fixture, result unknown)
- 2024/03/07: Al-Shabab FC vs Al-Fayha (Result unknown, but listed as a league fixture)
- 2023/09/15: Al-Fayha vs Al-Shabab FC (Result unknown, but listed as a league fixture)
Historically, Al-Shabab has won the previous three matches against Al-Fayha. Notably, 79% of their head-to-head matches have seen both teams score, and 71% have had over 2.5 goals, suggesting that goals are often expected when these two sides meet.
Current Form & Team News
As the 2025-2026 Saudi Pro League season gets underway, both teams are looking to establish their rhythm. It’s important to note that specific injury and suspension details for this exact date are speculative, but we can infer recent form from the conclusion of the 2024-2025 season and early hypothetical results of the current season.
Al-Fayha
Al-Fayha finished the 2024-2025 Saudi Pro League season in 13th place. Their King’s Cup journey last season ended at the quarter-final stage, ironically, at the hands of Al-Shabab.
Last 5 Matches (W-D-L, Hypothetical leading into Sept 2025):
- L (0-3 vs Al-Khaleej, Sep 13, 2025)
- W (2-1 vs Al Fateh SC, Aug 30, 2025)
- L (1-4 vs Al-Nassr, Aug 27, 2024 – likely reflecting a pre-season or early season 2024 result used as general form)
- L (0-5 vs Al-Raed, Sep 14, 2024 – similar to above)
- D (0-0 vs Al-Khaleej, Sep 20, 2024 – similar to above)
Key players for Al-Fayha include attackers Fashion Sakala and Renzo López, who were top goalscorers for the team in the 2024-2025 season, each with 8 league goals. Midfielder Alejandro Pozuelo is also a significant creative force, leading the team in chances created. Defensively, Chris Smalling provides an experienced presence at the back. The club has been under the management of Pedro Emanuel since December 2024.
Al-Shabab
Al-Shabab concluded the 2024-2025 season in a respectable 6th position in the Pro League and reached the King’s Cup semi-finals.
Last 5 Matches (W-D-L, Hypothetical leading into Sept 2025):
- W (1-0 vs Al Hazem, Sep 12, 2025)
- L (1-4 vs Al Khaleej, Aug 29, 2025)
- W (2-0 vs Al-Fayha, May 26, 2025 – this is a past result for this article’s context, reflecting a win against their current opponent)
- L (2-3 vs Al-Ittihad, May 20, 2025)
- W (3-1 vs Al Riyadh, May 15, 2025)
Al-Shabab boasts a strong squad with notable international talent. Abderrazak Hamdallah was their top scorer in the 2024-2025 season with 21 league goals. Midfielders Yannick Carrasco, Josh Brownhill, and Vincent Sierro, alongside defender Wesley Hoedt and goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe, form a formidable spine for the team. Fatih Terim has been at the helm since December 2024.
Tactical Preview
Al-Fayha, playing at their home ground, Al-Majma’ah Sports City Stadium (capacity 7,000), will likely aim to capitalize on any home advantage, despite the relatively small stadium capacity. With Pedro Emanuel’s pragmatic approach, Al-Fayha might set up in a disciplined formation, possibly a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, focusing on solid defense and quick transitions. Fashion Sakala and Alejandro Pozuelo will be crucial in unlocking Al-Shabab’s defense, with Sakala’s pace and Pozuelo’s creativity being key attacking threats. Their defensive solidity will be tested, especially considering their recent 3-0 loss where they conceded multiple goals.
Al-Shabab, under Fatih Terim, is expected to play a more attacking and possession-based game, perhaps a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, leveraging the quality of players like Yannick Carrasco and Abderrazak Hamdallah. The midfield battle, featuring the likes of Josh Brownhill and Vincent Sierro, will be vital in controlling the tempo and supplying their potent attack. Their strong head-to-head record against Al-Fayha gives them a psychological edge. Defensive weaknesses could be exploited if Al-Fayha’s counter-attacks are sharp, as evidenced by Al-Shabab’s recent 1-4 loss. The match is taking place in Al-Majma’ah, Saudi Arabia, where the weather in September can still be quite warm, potentially impacting player stamina, though the evening kickoff time (18:35 local time) will mitigate the harshest heat.
