Tonight, all eyes in Saudi football will be on Al-Inma Stadium, which will host a highly anticipated match between Al-Ettifaq and their guests, Al-Ahli, in the 19th round of the Saudi Professional League. This match represents a true test of both teams' ambitions. Al-Ettifaq, led by their English coach Steven Gerrard, will be looking to secure a positive result to strengthen their position in the standings, while Al-Ahli aims to continue their pursuit of the league leaders.

General context and background of the confrontation

Al-Ettifaq enters the match with relatively high morale after their recent victory, which gave the team a boost. However, they face a significant challenge due to the absence of several key players because of injury. These absences are a major blow to coach Gerard's plans, especially in midfield, which is considered the team's engine and the foundation for building play. Historically, matches between Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ahli are always characterized by competitiveness and excitement, given that they are both established clubs in the Kingdom, each with a large fan base expecting a strong performance and a satisfying result.

Al-Ettifaq's expected lineup given the absences

With injuries to key midfield duo Álvaro Medrán and Duda, as well as striker Ahmed Hassan Kouka, Steven Gerrard has been forced to reshuffle his cards and search for replacements capable of filling the gaps. He is expected to field a balanced lineup that aims to strike a balance between defensive duties and quick counter-attacks. The likely lineup is as follows:

• Goalkeeper: Mark Rodak
• Defense: Francesco Calvo, Abdullah Al-Khatib, Radi Al-Otaibi, Jack Hendry
• Midfield: Joao Costa, Fares Al-Ghamdi, Mukhtar Ali
• Forwards: Georginio Wijnaldum, Khalid Al-Ghannam, Mousa Dembele

The importance of the match and its expected impact

The importance of this match extends far beyond just the three points. Domestically, Al-Ettifaq aims to improve its position and climb closer to the top of the table, while a victory is crucial for Al-Ahli to remain in contention for the league title and Asian Champions League qualification. Regionally and internationally, the Roshan League has garnered significant media attention due to the presence of international stars. This match will feature a clash between established players like Georginio Wijnaldum and Moussa Dembélé for Al-Ettifaq, and Al-Ahli's global stars, adding another dimension to the competition and making it a focus of global interest. Al-Ettifaq's ability to secure a positive result despite absences will demonstrate the depth of its squad and the effectiveness of its coach, Steven Gerrard's, tactics.

Al-Hilal, the leaders of the Saudi Professional League, face a significant defensive challenge in their upcoming match against Al-Qadisiyah in the nineteenth round, as the absence of their defensive rock, Senegalese star Kalidou Coulibaly, has been confirmed. This absence comes at a crucial time in the season, as "The Boss" seeks to consolidate their lead and move closer to securing the title.

Multiple reasons for the absence of an influential figure

Koulibaly's absence from the match, which will be held at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, is due to two main reasons. The first is a recent injury for which he is currently undergoing intensive treatment and medical examinations under the supervision of the club's medical staff to ensure his full recovery and swift return to the pitch. The second reason is a compelling personal circumstance; the player is currently in his home country of Senegal to be with his family following the tragic death of his father, a loss that requires his presence during this difficult time.

General context and importance of the match

Al-Hilal enters this match in exceptional form, having achieved a series of consecutive victories that have placed them at the top of the league standings with a comfortable lead over their closest rivals. Every match at this stage is considered a step towards securing the title, making securing the three points against Al-Qadisiyah a top priority for Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus and his players. Since joining from Chelsea, Coulibaly has been a cornerstone of the team's defense, bringing significant European experience, physical strength, and defensive solidity, directly contributing to the strength of the team's back line, which is considered one of the strongest in the league.

The expected impact of Koulibaly's absence

The absence of the Senegalese captain is expected to leave a significant void in Al-Hilal's defense. Coach Jesus will have to find a suitable replacement to maintain the team's defensive balance and stability. This absence will be a true test of Al-Hilal's squad depth and the ability of the substitutes to fill the gap and deliver the required performance. Regionally and internationally, many are following the news of the Roshan League stars, and the absence of a player of Coulibaly's caliber will not go unnoticed, especially since the Saudi League has become the focus of global attention. All eyes will be on how the team deals with this deficiency against Al-Qadisiyah, who are also seeking a positive result against the league leaders.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:30 pm on Thursday, and Al-Hilal fans are hoping their team can overcome this situation and continue their successful run in the league.

Events have escalated within the corridors of Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal club, with media reports indicating that international defender Ali Al-Bulaihi has submitted a formal request to the club's management for a financial settlement and the termination of his contract during the current winter transfer window. This unexpected request comes amidst the player's recent absence from the starting lineup, both in domestic and continental competitions.

According to the program "Our League is Different," Al-Bulaihi is seeking to receive all his remaining financial dues in exchange for a permanent departure from Al-Hilal. The same source indicated that the player had rejected an offer to join Al-Shabab on loan until the end of the season, confirming his desire to find a new and stable challenge that guarantees him regular playing time.

Background to the crisis and fierce competition in Al-Hilal's defense

Ali Al-Bulaihi, who joined Al-Hilal in 2017 from Al-Fateh, is considered one of the most prominent defenders in Saudi football in recent years, having played a key role in the club's numerous major titles, most notably the AFC Champions League and the Saudi Professional League. Known for his fighting spirit and leadership on the pitch, Al-Bulaihi has seen significant changes in the lineup under Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus this season.

With Al-Hilal's strong signings last summer, most notably the world-class Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly, in addition to the record-breaking acquisition of international defender Hassan Tambakti, competition for the center-back position has intensified unprecedentedly. Coach Jesus has preferred to rely primarily on the duo of Koulibaly and Tambakti, significantly reducing Al-Bulaihi's playing time and leaving him out of the squad for several important matches.

The expected impact of Al-Bulaihi's departure

Domestically, Al-Bulaihi's potential departure would open the door for major clubs in the Saudi Professional League to compete for his signature. With his vast experience and defensive prowess, Al-Bulaihi would be a valuable addition to any team looking to bolster its back line. Despite rejecting Al-Shabab's offer, other clubs such as Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, or even Al-Nassr might enter negotiations to sign him permanently.

As for Al-Hilal, Al-Bulaihi's departure will be a loss of an experienced player with a strong personality in the dressing room, but it won't significantly impact the team's defensive depth given the presence of Coulibaly, Timbuktu, and Ali Lajami. The player's future remains uncertain, with the next few days crucial in determining his next move, whether he stays and competes for his position or embarks on a new chapter in his career.