NEOM SC vs Al Najma: Prediction, Lineups, Kickoff Time | Saudi Pro League 2025/26

On: December 23, 2025 9:39 AM

NEOM SC vs Al Najma: Prediction, Lineups, Kickoff Time | Saudi Pro League 2025/26

---Advertisement---

NEOM SC vs Al Najma — Match Preview

The Saudi Pro League resumes after the break with a mismatch on paper at King Khalid Sports City on Thursday, 25 December 2025. NEOM SC, the heavily invested newcomers, sit 8th with 14 points and boast a squad filled with international stars. They will be looking to break a mixed run of form and climb into the upper echelons of the table. In contrast, Al Najma are enduring a nightmare campaign. Sitting rock bottom (18th) with just 1 point from 9 games and a -13 goal difference, they are desperate for a miracle to ignite their survival fight.

NEOM SC vs Al Najma — Match Info

Competition: Saudi Pro League (Matchday 11)
Venue: King Khalid Sports City, Tabuk (Capacity: 12,000)
Date: Thursday, 25 December 2025
Kickoff: 18:00 AST | 15:00 GMT
Referee: TBC (SAFF Appointment)

NEOM SC vs Al Najma — Match Stakes

NEOM SC (8th — 14 pts):

Win → Moves to 17 pts; potentially climbs to 6th/7th and closes gap on top 4
Draw → A massive disappointment at home against the league’s worst team
Loss → A shock result; increases pressure on the manager given the squad’s value

Al Najma (18th — 1 pt):

Win → Historic first win of the season; moves to 4 pts and restores hope
Draw → Stops the 8-game losing streak; a huge morale boost away from home
Loss → Remains anchored to the bottom; relegation fears become acute

NEOM SC vs Al Najma — Team News

NEOM SC:

Lacazette A. — Available (Star Forward – Expected to start)
Hegazi A. — Available (Captain & Defensive Leader)
Benrahma S. — Available (Key Creator)
Al-Faraj S. — Questionable (Fitness management after break)
Full Strength: The squad is reportedly fresh after the league pause.

Al Najma:

El Yamiq J. — Available (Key Defender – Must lead the backline)
Flores D. — Available (Midfield anchor)
Braga V. — Available (Goalkeeper – Expect a busy night)
Injury Doubts: Squad depth is thin; fatigue could be an issue if they chase the ball for 90 minutes.

NEOM SC vs Al Najma — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)

NEOM SC

23/11 — 1–1 vs Al Taawoun (SPL)
08/11 — 1–3 vs Al Nassr (SPL)
30/10 — 3–2 vs Al Kholood (SPL)
24/10 — 1–1 vs Al Khaleej (SPL)
19/10 — 1–3 vs Al Qadsiah (SPL)

Al Najma

22/11 — 0–0 vs Damac (SPL)
07/11 — 2–4 vs Al Hilal (SPL)
31/10 — 1–2 vs Al Okhdood (SPL)
27/10 — 0–1 vs Al Kholood (King’s Cup)
23/10 — 0–1 vs Al Ahli (SPL)

NEOM SC vs Al Najma — Head-to-Head (Last Meetings)

19/02/2025 — NEOM SC 2–0 Al Najma (First Division)
01/10/2024 — Al Najma 2–3 NEOM SC (First Division)
NEOM SC have won the last two encounters during their promotion campaign.

NEOM SC vs Al Najma — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)

NEOM SC (4-2-3-1)

Maximiano; Al-Burayk, Hegazi, Zézé, Hawsawi; Doucouré, Al-Faraj; Benrahma, Romarinho, Bouabré; Lacazette

Al Najma (5-4-1)

Victor Braga; Al-Abdulrazzaq, El Yamiq, Al-Shammari, Caetano, Al-Hawsawi; Tijanic, Flores, Al-Nakhli, Al-Harabi; Quioto

NEOM SC vs Al Najma — Impact Bench

NEOM SC: Al-Oyayari (Energy on flank), Luciano Rodriguez (Goal threat)

Al Najma: Al-Muqaitib (Backup GK), Al-Enezi (Midfield option)

NEOM SC vs Al Najma — Tactical Analysis

NEOM SC

Expect complete dominance from the hosts. With Abdoulaye Doucouré controlling the midfield and Benrahma/Lacazette combining in the final third, NEOM will look to pin Al Najma back. Their main threat will come from set-pieces (Hegazi) and intricate play through the middle. They must be patient if Al Najma parks the bus.

Al Najma

Survival mode engaged. Al Najma managed a 0–0 draw vs Damac by sitting deep, and they will replicate that here. Jawad El Yamiq must organize a 5-man defense to deny space to Lacazette. Their only hope is a counter-attack via long balls to Quioto or capitalizing on a NEOM defensive error.

NEOM SC vs Al Najma — Key Battles

Lacazette vs El Yamiq — Elite finisher vs experienced defender
Benrahma vs Al-Abdulrazzaq — Dribbling skill vs defensive discipline
Doucouré vs Flores — Physical battle for midfield supremacy
Maximiano vs Concentration — NEOM GK might have little to do but must stay alert

NEOM SC vs Al Najma — Spotlight Players

NEOM SC — Alexandre Lacazette

The French striker is the face of the project. Against the league’s leakiest defense (20 goals conceded), he will be hungry to add to his tally.

Al Najma — Victor Braga

The goalkeeper is arguably Al Najma’s most important player. He will face a barrage of shots; a “10/10” performance is required to get a result.

NEOM SC vs Al Najma — Prediction

NEOM SC 3–0 Al Najma

The gulf in class is simply too wide. NEOM SC have Champions League-level talent, while Al Najma are struggling to compete at this level. Expect a comfortable return to winning ways for the hosts in Tabuk.