Al-Ettifaq vs Al-Taawoun: Saudi Pro League Clash Could Shake Up the Table
On February 3, the 20th round of the Saudi Pro League features an intriguing matchup as Al-Ettifaq hosts Al-Taawoun.
Al-Ettifaq has struggled this season. After 18 rounds, the team sits 7th with 29 points, equally distant from 6th and 8th places. Their campaign in the King’s Cup ended early with a 1/16 final exit to second-tier Al-Batin. At home, Al-Ettifaq has managed only 2 wins in their last 8 games, and defensively, they have conceded 30 goals—second-worst among the league’s top 10.
Al-Taawoun, meanwhile, is pushing for a top-three finish. With 38 points from 18 games, they sit 5th, just six points off the leading pack. Their King’s Cup journey ended in the 1/8 finals at the hands of Al-Khaleej. Al-Taawoun tends to strike first—they scored first in 5 of their last 6 matches—but have only kept a clean sheet once in their last 5 outings.
Historically, Al-Taawoun has had the upper hand, winning 3 of the last 5 meetings with Al-Ettifaq, alongside one draw and a single loss.
Prediction: With both teams showing defensive vulnerabilities and Al-Taawoun desperate to close in on the top, expect goals at both ends. The smart play: “Both teams to score” (odds 1.66).
