Saudi football fans will be glued to their screens tomorrow evening, Thursday, as Al-Ahli hosts Al-Najma at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah in a crucial match for the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League. This game comes at a pivotal moment in the competition, as Al-Ahli aims to extend its winning streak and close the gap on the league leaders.

Al-Ahli enters the match with very high morale, bolstered by its large fan base and its recent impressive results. The team currently sits third in the league standings with 50 points. The Jeddah-based club has won 15 matches, drawn five, and lost only once, reflecting its defensive solidity and attacking prowess this season. Al-Ahli sent a strong warning to its rivals in the last round after its resounding 5-0 victory over Al-Shabab, making it a strong favorite to secure all three points today.

On the other hand, Al-Najma is in dire straits, languishing at the bottom of the table with only 8 points. The team has struggled throughout the season, suffering 15 defeats and five draws, managing only one victory – a long-awaited win after 20 rounds. Despite this, Al-Najma has shown marked improvement recently following new signings and will be hoping to pull off an upset or at least secure a draw to revive their hopes of avoiding relegation.

On the technical side, Al-Ahli's squad is brimming with international stars who make a significant difference in the balance of power, led by Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, Algerian Riyad Mahrez, and Ivorian Franck Kessié, in addition to English striker Ivan Toni and Brazilian Roger Ibañez. The list also features Frenchmen Valentin Atangana and Enzo Millot, Brazilian Wenderson Galeano, and the outstanding local full-back Zakaria Hawsawi.

In contrast, Al-Najma is relying on its recent resurgence and a host of foreign and Arab professionals to try and match Al-Ahli's high level of play. Among the most prominent are Brazilian goalkeeper Victor Braga, his compatriots Samir Souza, Lazaro, and Felipe Mardosso, and Frenchman Bilal Boutouba. The squad also includes notable international names such as the talented Iraqi Ali Jassim, Egyptian Nabil Emad "Dunga," and Portuguese Joga Rodrigues. It's worth noting that the first leg between the two teams in Buraidah during the sixth round ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Al-Ahli, suggesting a potentially competitive encounter despite the significant points difference.

The board of directors of Al-Shabab Saudi Club officially announced the signing of the veteran Algerian coach Noureddine Benzekri to take over the technical leadership of the first football team, succeeding the Spanish coach Imanol Alguacil, whose contract was terminated by mutual consent following a noticeable decline in the team’s results recently.

This swift move by Al-Laith management came to address the team's position in the Roshan Professional League standings, as an agreement was reached with Ben Zakri to lead the technical direction with a contract extending until the end of the current season, after successful negotiations on all financial and contractual details, and in confirmation of what Al-Midan sources had exclusively reported previously.

Why Nur ad-Din ibn Zakri?

The selection of Algerian coach Noureddine Benzekri is based on his extensive experience in Saudi football, where he is known in sporting circles as "the man for tough jobs" and "the savior." Benzekri has previously had successful and exciting coaching stints in the Saudi league with Al-Raed, Al-Fayha, and Damac. The coach is known for his strong personality and his ability to instill a fighting spirit in his players, in addition to his strict tactical discipline, which helps teams overcome technical and psychological challenges.

Challenges await Al-Laith

The Al-Shabab club management had decided to part ways with former coach Emmanuel Alguacil after a series of poor results unbecoming of the history and stature of the Saudi club, which led to the team's decline to a low position in the league standings, failing to satisfy the ambitions of the Al-Shabab fans. The management and supporters hope that "Ibn Zakri" will succeed in restoring balance to the team and achieving positive results that will secure a more fitting position for the club at the end of the season.

An anticipated emotional confrontation

Ironically, Noureddine Benzekri's first match in charge of Al-Shabab will be against his former club, Damac, in the upcoming round of the Saudi Professional League. This match carries added significance as it will be played at Al-Shabab's home stadium, and the new coach will be looking to begin his tenure with a morale-boosting victory, leveraging his extensive knowledge of Saudi football and the opposing teams.

Football fans around the world will be glued to their screens this Wednesday as Europe hosts a packed schedule of crucial matches across various continental and domestic competitions. The highlight of these fixtures is the UEFA Champions League, the most prestigious and popular club tournament, alongside high-profile encounters in the English Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A.

Midweek matches are of particular importance, as major clubs seek to strengthen their positions, whether in the race for continental qualification or in the competition for domestic titles, amid great public anticipation of the results that may change the standings in the various leagues.

Today's Champions League fixtures

The most prestigious European tournament continues today, with high-caliber matches taking place between teams representing different footballing schools. This tournament is the ultimate goal for the continent's top clubs, with each team striving to accumulate points to ensure their continued participation in the competition.

• 08:45 Qarabag Agdam VS Newcastle: An important match for the English team, which seeks to prove its European presence in a difficult away trip.
• 11:00 - Glimt VS Inter: The Nerazzurri, one of Italy's giants, face a physical and technical test against the ambition of the Norwegian team.
• 11:00 Olympiacos VS Bayer Leverkusen: A match that combines Greek fan enthusiasm with disciplined German tactics.
• 11:00 Club Brugge VS Atletico Madrid: The Rojiblancos squad is a tough guest in Belgium looking for nothing but victory.

English Premier League fixtures today

In the English Premier League, considered the strongest league in the world due to its fierce competition and closely matched teams, Arsenal faces a tough away game today. Arsenal matches are always highly anticipated by fans because of the Gunners' immense popularity and their attacking style of play.

• 11:00 Wolverhampton vs Arsenal: A match that promises to be exciting, as Molineux Stadium is known for being a tough venue for opponents, while Arsenal will be looking to snatch the three points.

Spanish League match schedule today

The Spanish La Liga continues its relentless pace, showcasing the high level of technical skill and open play characteristic of Spanish football. Today's match features two teams with a rich history of competing in the top flight.

• 10:00 Levante VS Villarreal: A mini-derby and a tough match, as the “Yellow Submarine” (Villarreal) team enters the match with the ambition to win thanks to its great European and local experience.

Italian League match schedule today

In Serie A, the paradise of football as its fans call it, giants AC Milan face a crucial match. While the Italian league is known for its distinctive tactical and defensive style, recent years have witnessed a remarkable improvement in attacking play.

• 10:45 - Milan VS Como: The Rossoneri, with their rich history and seven European titles, host Como in a match that theoretically seems to favor the home team, but surprises are always possible in the world of football.

In conclusion, this Wednesday promises a rich football feast for viewers, with a variety of options ranging from the excitement of the Champions League to the struggles of the local leagues, ensuring an enjoyable football evening for fans of all affiliations.