Prediction Al Ettifaq vs Al Kholood 2025/2026 season – Betting Tips for the Pro League on 28/08/2025

Match overview and context

The new Pro League campaign gets a lively kick-off in Dammam as Al Ettifaq welcome Al Kholood to the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium on 28/08/2025 at 18:00. This fixture carries local spice: Ettifaq will be keen to build on a respectable position from the last phase and make home advantage count in front of a 26,000-capacity crowd, while Al Kholood arrive with the underdog tag and memories of a tight head-to-head earlier in the year. Bookmakers have slotted Ettifaq as favourites, but the storyline is far from one-dimensional.

Form, recent results and head-to-head

Al Ettifaq come into this match with an encouraging recent sequence that includes wins over Al-Wehda and a notable 3-1 victory away at Al Ahli earlier in their reports. Their latest form string reads with more wins and draws than defeats — a balance that suggests they can control games without being invulnerable. Al Kholood, conversely, show flashes of potency—two wins late in May including a 2-1 triumph at Al Raed and a 2-0 victory against Al-Fayha—but their broader form line is worrying. Ten-game metrics show just three wins and seven losses, indicating inconsistency and vulnerability over a stretch. The most recent head-to-head meeting ended 1-0 in favour of Al Kholood back on 10 May, a reminder that Ettifaq cannot be complacent.

Tactical narratives are reinforced by key contributors identified in the last fixtures: Vitinho led Ettifaq’s best display with a 7.87 rating in their win over Al-Wehda, while Myziane Maolida earned top marks for Al Kholood with a 7.62 display in their victory at Al Raed. Those individual flashes could swing fine margins on the day.

Betting outlook and reasoning

Market prices back the home side at 1.85 with an implied probability just over 54%, while a draw and an away win sit around 3.70 and 3.75 respectively. Those odds reflect a sensible market view: Ettifaq have steadier form, home advantage, and a recent run of results that suggest greater resilience. Al Kholood remain capable of springing surprises—as their win over Ettifaq in May demonstrates—but the weight of recent results and overall trend lean towards Ettifaq controlling the match.

Betting suggestion (1X2): Back Al Ettifaq to win. The home side’s stronger recent form, the influence of standout performers in their last outing, and market pricing make the home victory the most probable single-market outcome. Consider sensible stakes and bankroll management given the cup-tie nature of season openers and the potential for early-season volatility.