Preview: Al Ettifaq vs. Al Khaleej - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors, on the other hand, have lost both of their opening two games of the season.

Match preview

Indeed, Steven Gerrard's new era at Al Ettifaq has got off to the perfect start with two victories from two matches, making his side one of only three Saudi teams with a perfect record after the opening two matchdays.

The Commandos were fortunate to face Arab Club Champions Cup champions Al-Nassr only two days after their triumph against Al-Hilal, with strikes from Robin Quaison and Moussa Dembele helping Gerrard's side come from behind following Sadio Mane's early strike.

Al-Ettifaq were much more comfortable against Al-Hazm on Friday, though, with Quaison opening the scoring before Vitinho doubled his side's lead after the half-time interval during a relatively subdued encounter.

Gerrard was keen to stress to his players that it is "only two games" during post-match celebrations in the changing room, but there is little doubt that he will be delighted with the start that he has made, and he will sense an excellent opportunity to make it three wins in a row on Thursday.

After all, Al Khaleej finished third from bottom last season - ultimately surviving relegation by three points - and if their early season form provides anything to go by, they look set to struggle once more.

Former Porto defender Pedro Emanuel has remained in charge for his second season at the club, despite the fact that he has now lost 20 of his 31 matches in charge in all competitive competitions.

Al Khaleej were soundly beaten 3-1 away to Al Feiha on the opening day, with Hisham Al Dubais' late consolation strike providing momentary respite, before losing at home to Al-Ahli by the same scoreline on Thursday.

In fairness to Emanuel's side, they competed much more strongly against one of Saudi's strongest teams, with Mansour Ibrahim Hamzi pulling one back after Roger Ibanez and Riyad Mahrez had provided their side with a two-goal cushion at half-time. However, Sumayhan Al-Nabit's goal deep into injury-time sealed Al-Ahli's victory, meaning Emanuel and his players will travel to Dammam this week with real pressure on their shoulders.

Al Ettifaq Saudi Pro League form:

W

W

Al Khaleej Saudi Pro League form:

L

L

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Team News

Al Ettifaq were forced to compete without Jordan Henderson in their most recent victory, after the Liverpool midfielder was substituted on his debut due to injury. It remains to be seen whether the England international will return in time for Thursday's clash.

Having each opened their goalscoring accounts for the season, Gerrard will almost certainly stick with a front three of Vitinho, Dembele and Quaison, with Berat Ozdemir deputising for Henderson in midfield.

Al Khaleej, meanwhile, will remain without Fawaz Al-Torais due to a long-term ACL injury, with the left winger unlikely to return to action until October at the earliest.

Despite ultimately losing to Al-Ahli, Emanuel should have been encouraged by his players' performance and effort levels, and he may stick with the same starting XI as a result.

Al Ettifaq possible starting lineup:

Victor; Abdulrahman, Tisserand, Hendry, Al-Khateeb; Al-Ghamdi, Ozdemir, Hazazi; Quaison, Dembele, Vitinho

Al Khaleej possible starting lineup:

Sehic; Al-Owdah, Al-Khabrani, Lopez, Rebocho; Al-Sumairi, Jung; Al-Ibrahim, Rodrigues, Martins; Al Salem

We say: Al Ettifaq 2-1 Al Khaleej

Al Ettifaq appear to be building real momentum under Gerrard's guidance, and we expect them to maintain their 100% record on Thursday.

Al Khaleej are likely to be involved in a relegation battle this season, and they simply do not possess the attacking firepower of their forthcoming opponents, even if we can envisage them getting on the scoresheet once again.

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