Seven teams, two rounds, two spots: So who will beat the drop? | OneFootball

The title race may be run, with Al Ittihad crowned 2024-25 Roshn Saudi League champions last Thursday, but there is plenty still up for grabs as the campaign reaches its final seven days.

Keeping everyone on their toes, the relegation battle feels especially fraught going into the concluding two rounds, with seven teams conceivably still looking nervously downwards instead of up.

To that, Al Raed are the only side already consigned to the drop, the Buraidah club’s lengthy stay in the Saudi top flight officially over following Matchweek 31.

So, who might join them? At present, Al Okhdood and Al Orobah occupy the two remaining unwanted spots in the standings. However, Al Wehda, Al Fateh, Al Kholood, Damac and Al Fayha aren’t safe yet.

If the current landscape is difficult to decipher, which to be fair makes this next week even more enthralling, then we’ve got you covered.

So here’s what’s left for the teams ranked 11th to 17th – Al Fayha, you’re still not quite clear – as the penultimate set of fixtures, Matchweek 33, plays out from Tuesday to Thursday.

11th – Al Fayha (36 points)

MW33: Al Kholood (a)

MW34: Al Shabab (h)

Form Guide: LDWLW

Outlook: Al Fayha gave themselves a massive cushion with their 2-0 win against Al Okhdood time, which sparked wild celebrations, but they still need a point to secure their position in the top division regardless of other results.

With sixth-placed Al Shabab to come on the final day, Pedro Emanuel’s men will be looking at an Al Kholood side with one win in eight as their chance to gold-seal survival.

Fashion Sakala dances after Al Fayha win v Al Okhdood

12th – Damac (35 points)

MW33: Al Fateh (h)

MW34: Al Ittihad (a)

Form Guide: WLLWD

Outlook: Having established themselves as part of the RSL furniture in recent years, Damac are well placed to prolong their stay.

A point, then, at home to Al Fateh on Thursday should be enough to remain in the top flight – although, given their direct rivals are all in action before them in Matchweek 33, they might not even need it.

With champions Al Ittihad to come next Monday, Damac will be keen to get it done this week.

13th – Al Kholood (34 points)

MW33: Al Fayha (h)

MW34: Al Raed (a)

Form Guide: LLLWL

Outlook: With seven defeats and a solitary victory in their past eight, Al Kholood have become embroiled in the thick of the relegation scrap.

They will take heart, though, from the fact that destiny is in their own hands: even if a win at home to Al Fayha on Wednesday doesn’t materialise, they’ve already-relegated Al Raed on the final day.

Either way, will we see manager Noureddine Ben Zekri produce his iconic celebration once more?

14th – Al Fateh (33 points)

MW33: Damac (a)

MW34: Al Nassr (h)

Form Guide: WDWLL

Outlook: Al Fateh might well have been coming into Matchweek 33 with their RSL status already guaranteed, since they were only five minutes away from a memorable win against Al Hilal last time out before the Riyadh club flipped the game to prevail 4-3 in injury-time.

However, Jose Gomes’ side must pick themselves up immediately, especially with a trip to Damac next. With top-three-chasing Al Nassr to round off the campaign, Al Fateh will understand the importance of this week’s encounter in Khamis Mushait.

Al Fateh fans v Al Hilal

15th – Al Wehda (32 points)

MW33: Al Hilal (h)

MW34: Al Ettifaq (a)

Form Guide: WLWWL

Outlook: Having looked doomed for long spells of the season, Al Wehda are enjoying a late resurgence, winning four of their past six matches, but will it be too little, too late?

The Mecca club are two points above the relegation zone and have arguably the most difficult final two fixtures, against deposed champions Al Hilal with a point to prove on Wednesday followed by a tricky trip to Al Ettifaq five days later.

Al Wehda captain Waleed Bakshween embraces manager Jose Daniel Carreno after win at Damac

16th – Al Orobah (30 points)

MW33: Al Qadsiah (a)

MW34: Al Taawoun (h)

Form Guide: LDWLL

Outlook: It feels as if Al Orobah need every possible point to beat the drop, with the team sitting 16th, two points adrift of safety.

Back-to-back defeats, against Al Hilal and Al Khaleej certainly haven’t helped, and their remaining two fixtures aren’t exactly welcoming – particularly Tuesday’s assignment at third-placed Al Qadsiah.

Much of the burden will fall on captain Omar Al Somah, who has 10 goals since returning to the RSL in the winter to retain his spot as the league’s all-time top scorer (154 goals). Remember, though, the Syrian has suffered RSL relegation before, with Al Ahli in 2021-22.

17th – Al Okhdood (28 points)

MW33: Al Raed (h)

MW34: Al Khaleej (a)

Form Guide: DWLLL

Outlook: The bottom two teams in the RSL table face off in their penultimate game on Thursday, but there's every chance they will be meeting again in the First Division League next season. However, in contrast to Al Raed, Al Okhdood can still dream of a miracle.

They are four points from safety, but even a repeat of their 2-0 win in Buraidah in Matchweek 16 might still not be enough to avoid relegation. By then, the end of their two-year spell in the top flight could be confirmed.