Al Hazem vs Al Raed 

The unforgiving Saudi sun bakes the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium as Al Hazem prepares to lock horns with Al Raed in a crucial encounter within the Saudi Pro League. Both teams, having undergone significant transformations in recent seasons, find themselves locked in a battle for mid-table security. Al Hazem, boasting a blend of youthful exuberance and veteran leadership, approaches the match with a renewed sense of optimism. Al Raed, revitalized under a new manager and a squad overhaul, aims to build upon their recent positive run and solidify their position in the top half of the table. This matchup promises a captivating clash of styles, with contrasting strengths and a tactical battle that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Head-to-Head Stats

Playing Styles and Formations

Al Hazem Club: Al Hazem approaches the game with a dynamic and adaptable style of play. They often utilize a 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 formation, aiming to control the tempo of the game through quick passing and fluid movement. Their midfield boasts creative playmakers tasked with feeding opportunities to their potent attacking line, featuring a blend of pacey wingers and a clinical central striker. While they possess a strong defensive resolve, Al Hazem’s primary focus is on expressing themselves offensively and creating opportunities through slick attacking moves.

Al Raed FC: Al Raed embodies a similarly attacking and dynamic style of play compared to Al Hazem. They frequently deploy a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 formation, aiming to overwhelm opponents with their pace and fluidity in attack. Their midfield duo provides a solid foundation, allowing the wingers and attacking midfielder to express themselves freely and create chances for their prolific striker. Al Raed is known for their unpredictable attacking patterns and ability to score goals from a variety of sources.

A History of Close Encounters

Al Hazem and Al Raed’s head-to-head record showcases a history of tight contests and unpredictable outcomes. In their 14 meetings, both teams have secured a decent share of victories, with Al Hazem winning 6 and Al Raed winning 5. The remaining encounters have resulted in 3 draws, highlighting the competitiveness of these matches. The high average goals per match underlines the attacking threat both teams possess, promising a potentially high-scoring encounter. The most recent encounter, a dramatic 2-1 victory for Al Hazem in April 2024, serves as a reminder of the close nature of these matchups and the ability of either team to snatch victory at the death.

Players to Watch

Al Hazem Club:

• Nawaf Al-Abed: Al Hazem’s experienced and technically gifted winger, Al-Abed, provides a constant threat for opposing defenses. His dribbling skills, ability to deliver pinpoint crosses, and long-range shooting make him a nightmare for defenders. His creativity and ability to exploit any gaps in Al Raed’s backline could be a key factor in Al Hazem’s attacking endeavors.
• Mohammad Al-Sahlawi: Al Hazem’s young and dynamic central midfielder, Al-Sahlawi, is the engine of their midfield. His energy, passing range, and ability to break up play will be crucial in controlling the tempo of the game and launching attacks for his team.

Al Raed FC:

• Sultan Al-Nasser: Al Raed’s dynamic and pacey winger, Al-Nasser, is a constant thorn in the side of opposing defenses. His ability to beat defenders with his dribbling skills and create scoring opportunities for his teammates makes him a vital attacking threat.
• Darko Veljković: Al Raed’s experienced Serbian striker, Veljković, possesses exceptional finishing ability and a knack for scoring crucial goals. His presence upfront will be a constant menace for Al Hazem’s backline and his experience could prove invaluable in guiding his team to victory.

Recent Transfer Activity

Both teams have recently bolstered their squads with targeted acquisitions.

Al Hazem Club: Focused on bolstering their midfield presence by acquiring the young and promising Saudi midfielder Saleh Al-Shehri.

Al Raed FC: Secured the services of the experienced and well-respected manager Marius Șumudică, looking to tap into his tactical acumen and winning mentality.

Conclusion: A Contest for Supremacy

The Al Hazem vs Al Raed encounter is set to be a highly anticipated clash within the Saudi Pro League. Both teams, currently on the upturn, see this match as a crucial step towards securing a solid mid-table position. With similarly attacking styles of play and talented squads, the stage is set for a thrilling display of offensive football. This contest has all the ingredients to produce a classic encounter where every goal scored and every point gained will carry immense weight as both teams strive towards their respective goals.