Preview: Najran showdown with clear domestic narratives
Al Akhdoud return to Prince Hathloul Bin Abdul Aziz Sport City Stadium on 02/02/2026 bruised and vulnerable. The hosts sit 17th in the Pro League table after 18 matches, with a meagre two wins, three draws and a worrying 13 losses. Their recent run reads like a season of hard lessons: seven defeats in their last ten competitive outings, a single victory and only two clean sheets all season. Goals have been scarce for Al Akhdoud — 14 in total — while the defensive record of 34 conceded underlines structural frailties that opponents have routinely exploited.
NEOM SC travel north with a clearer spring in their step. Ninth in the table and eight places above Al Akhdoud, NEOM have posted seven wins and three draws from 18 matches and arrive after an emphatic 3-0 triumph over Damac FC. That result, which featured an 8.03 top rating for Amadou Koné, underlines NEOM’s ability to deliver when their attacking machinery clicks. Away statistics back the visitors’ case: 13 goals scored on the road compared with Al Akhdoud’s paltry three away strikes — data that paints NEOM as the more clinical and consistent side in hostile environments.
Tactical and statistical angle
Numbers favour NEOM on multiple fronts. They average 12.06 total shots per game and boast a significantly higher shots-on-target tally (80 across the season) than Al Akhdoud, who have managed just 54. NEOM’s attacking averages — including 66.72 attacks and 31.06 dangerous attacks per match — indicate an inclination to press forward and create chances, whereas Al Akhdoud’s 56.5 attacks and lower finishing output suggest they struggle to sustain pressure.
Head-to-head history offers context: the only meeting this season ended 1-0 in favour of NEOM at home, showing that NEOM have already found ways to unlock Al Akhdoud’s defence. The bookmakers mirror the data, pricing NEOM as favourites with a 1.80 quote and a calculated probability above 55%.
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Betting suggestion
Based on form, underlying shot and attack metrics, and the market price, the clearest value here lies with the away win. Recommendation: back NEOM SC to win (1X2 market — Away) at 1.80. The bookmakers’ odds reflect NEOM’s superior attacking metrics and recent momentum, while Al Akhdoud’s defensive instability at home makes them a fragile proposition. Stake responsibly and consider a conservative allocation given the typical volatility of Pro League fixtures.
