Line-up confirmed Al-Kholood x Al-Fateh in a duel for the Saudi Pro League By Jeronimo Santos
3 min read
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Al-Kholood and Al-Fateh confirmed the lineups for the game this Thursday, May 21st, by Saudi Pro League. The confrontation takes place at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, at Ar Rass. Al-Kholood occupies 14th position with 32 points. Al-Fateh appears in 12th with 36 points.
The home team is looking for victory to move away from the relegation zone. The visitor tries to score points away from home and improve their campaign.
Al-Kholood maintains 4-2-3-1 formation with Buckley in the middle
Coach Des Buckingham opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation. Juan Cozzani stays in goal. The defense has Ramzi Solan, Edgaras Utkus, Norbert Gyömbér and Shaquille Pinas.
In the middle, John Buckley and Abdulrahman Al-Dosari form the containment duo. Iker Kortajarena, Hattan Bahebri and Abdulaziz Al-Aliwa act more advanced. Guga completes the attack as a center forward.
The team comes from alternating results in the last rounds. The technical command prioritizes possession of the ball and quick transitions through the wings.
- Ramzi Solan on the right side
- Edgaras Utkus and Norbert Gyömbér in central defense
- Shaquille Pinas from the left
- John Buckley and Abdulrahman Al-Dosari as steering wheels
- Iker Kortajarena, Hattan Bahebri and Abdulaziz Al-Aliwa in the offensive trio
- Guga as a reference in the attack
The home team has a good record at home this season.
Al-Fateh uses 3-5-2 with Fernando Pacheco in goal
Jose Manuel Gomes defined the 3-5-2 for the visitor. Fernando Pacheco is the goalkeeper. The line of three defenders has Saeed Baattia, Ziyad Aljari and Marwane Saadane.
Wingers Hassan Al-Asmari and Fahad Al Zubaidi move up the aisle. In the middle, Sofiane Bendebka, Zaydou Youssef and Matías Vargas centralize the actions. Mourad Batna and another striker form the front duo.
The Portuguese coach seeks a balance between compact defense and quick exits. Al-Fateh has shown solidity away from home in some recent games.
Recent Histórico favors Al-Kholood in head-to-head matches
The teams have met three times in recent years. Al-Kholood got the better of it on two occasions and drew once. The aggregate score in these games shows the superiority of the home team.
In January 2026, Al-Fateh lost 5-2 to Al-Kholood at home. The result marked one of the opponent’s most consistent performances.
Des Buckingham and Jose Manuel Gomes look for three points
Al-Kholood’s commander, Des Buckingham, aged 41, took office in August 2025. Ele has experience in competitive leagues and prioritizes tactical organization.
Do On the other hand, Jose Manuel Gomes, 55 years old, has been training Al-Fateh since December 2024. The Portuguese has played for several clubs and knows Saudi football well.
Ambos coaches prepare fine adjustments for the duel. The temperature should be around 34°C at match time, which requires physical preparation from the athletes.
Ficha Technique and Game Details
The referee has not yet been officially confirmed. The King Abdullah Sport City Stadium stadium will host the clash from 7pm local time.
Al-Kholood must press from the beginning to exploit the support of the fans. Al-Fateh bets on counterattacks and set pieces to surprise.
The match is worth important points in the final stretch of the season. Al-Kholood needs to add to avoid table complications. Al-Fateh aims to establish himself in the top half of the standings.
The duel brings together two teams with different styles. The fans expect an open game with opportunities for both sides.
