Eastern Derby key battles: where Al Qadsiah vs Al Ettifaq will be won or lost | OneFootball

Al Qadsiah host neighbours Al Ettifaq in the Eastern Derby on Friday, Brendan Rodgers’ side still smarting from last season’s upset. According to spl.com.sa, five key battles could define a marquee Roshn Saudi League clash.

On the touchline, Rodgers meets Arthur Papas, recruited from Cerezo Osaka to replace Saad Al Shehri, who previously worked under Ange Postecoglou at Yokohama F.Marinos.

Both want the ball. Ettifaq have led possession in every match, averaging 58 percent and 435 passes. Qadsiah have trailed only once, against NEOM SC who they beat 2-0, averaging 57.5% and 507 passes.

In midfield, Alvaro Medran and Tijjani Reijnders could tilt it. Medran has one goal and two assists, leads for opposition-half passes with 301, and is second for chances created on 18. Reijnders, formerly of Manchester City, has three goals from 14 shots, eight on target, including a brace against Al Ahli.

Up front, Julian Quinones has two goals in six rounds yet remains a Derby specialist, with four in four against Ettifaq, including a double in last season’s 3-2 loss. Jack Hendry would usually marshal him but went off injured on Tuesday against Al Faisaly, so Abdullah Madu could step in.

Qadsiah also carry width. Christopher Bonsu Baah and Mohammed Abu Al Shamat starred against Al Ahli, Bonsu Baah delivering his first assist despite 11 chances created. Abu Al Shamat has three goals and two assists, while Ettifaq’s three clean sheets in four may rely on Radi Al Otaibi and Madallah Al Olayan to contain them.

Source: spl.com.sa

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”