Damac FC vs. Al Fayha: Saudi Pro League Survival Battle Preview

Damac FC will face Al Fayha at the Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium on Friday, May 17, in a pivotal Saudi Pro League fixture. With only two games left in the season, Damac FC are battling fiercely to retain their top-flight status, while Al Fayha, comfortably in mid-table, aim to finish their campaign strongly.

The home side, managed by Fabio Carille, are in a precarious position, sitting 15th in the league table, level on 26 points with 16th-placed Al-Riyadh but ahead on goal difference. Every point is vital for the "Knights of the South" as they look to avoid the drop.

Recent Form and Relegation Stakes

Damac FC head into this match on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Al-Ittihad, a result that extended their losing streak to three consecutive games. During this poor run, they have failed to score in two outings, highlighting their offensive struggles. Their home form has also been a concern, accumulating just 15 points from a possible 48 this season, with only three wins and six draws. This inconsistency at home could prove to be a significant hurdle against Al Fayha.

Al Fayha also suffered a recent defeat, losing to Al Qadsiah at home. Pedro Emanuel’s side has secured only one win in their last six league matches, a 4-2 victory over Al-Riyadh, alongside three defeats and two draws. Despite their mixed form, Al Fayha are 10th in the table with 38 points, a position that offers them relative safety and less pressure compared to their opponents. Their away record stands at four wins, two draws, and ten defeats.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Damac FC are reported to have no new injury concerns, allowing Fabio Carille to field a strong side for this critical fixture. The defensive line is expected to feature Sanousi Hawsawi, Jamal Harkass, Abdelkader Bedrane, and Abdulrahman Al-Obaid. Morlaye Sylla is likely to anchor the midfield, with Jonathan Okita providing width and Yahya Al-Najei leading the attack.

Al Fayha also boast a relatively clean bill of health. Chris Smalling and Mukhair Al-Rashidi are anticipated to continue in central defense. Alfa Semedo and Yassine Benzia are set to start in midfield, while Sabri Dahal is expected to operate from the wing. Fashion Sakala, who has netted 13 goals this season and scored in their last outing, will be a key threat up front, potentially partnered by Abdullah Radif.

Key facts

Head-to-Head Record and Prediction

Recent encounters between Damac FC and Al Fayha have often been closely contested, with three draws in their last five meetings. Their most recent match ended in a 1-1 draw. Both teams have secured one win each in these five fixtures.

Given Damac’s desperate need for points and Al Fayha’s mid-table security, the home side will push hard for a victory. However, Damac’s struggle for consistency at home and Al Fayha's quality, particularly with players like Fashion Sakala, suggest a tightly fought contest. A draw appears to be a plausible outcome, consistent with their history and recent form, especially with both teams coming off defeats. Predictions in football are for market and context journalism and not betting advice; outcomes can vary.

Fuente: Sports Mole Football RSS – https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/dhamk/preview/damac-vs-al-fayha-prediction-team-news-lineups_597464.html