Abha's climb out of the drop zone starts at second-placed Al-Qadisiyah

Abha sit bottom of the Pro League with two points from seven matches, and a trip to second-placed Al-Qadisiyah on Friday is a demanding first step if they want to climb out of the relegation zone.

Abha’s climb starts at a hard place

Al-Qadisiyah have 19 points from eight games, a goal difference of +13 and a current run of WDWWW. Abha, 18th in an 18-team league, have a goal difference of -8 and a recent run of DLLLD that includes three straight defeats. The visitors need points badly, but the gap between the two sides is wide.

Qadisiyah’s rhythm against Abha’s slump

Qadisiyah have been strong at home this season, winning two and drawing one of their four matches there while picking up 9 goals. Their overall form reads WLWWWWDW, with six wins from eight, and they have scored 16 goals in their last five games while conceding six.

Abha have struggled on the road, with one draw and three defeats in four away matches. Across their season they have won none of seven games, scoring five goals and conceding 13. Their last five have produced four goals scored and seven conceded.

Two draws in 2021

The sides’ most recent meetings came in 2021. Qadisiyah and Abha drew 1-1 at home in May, and Abha and Qadisiyah drew 2-2 in January of the same year. Neither game produced a winner, but neither side has been in this kind of form since.

Our prediction

Al-Qadisiyah 2-0 Abha. The home side’s attacking form and their clean sheets this season make them the more reliable side, while Abha have struggled to score and defend away from home. Abha will need a disciplined display to make this a contest, but the balance of form points towards a comfortable home win.