Al Shabab vs Al Qadsiah — Match Preview
The Saudi Pro League action concludes for the calendar year with a New Year’s Eve clash at the Al-Shabab Club Stadium on Wednesday, 31 December 2025. Al Shabab are enduring a nightmare season, sitting 13th with just 8 points. They are winless in their last five matches and fresh off a 0–2 defeat to Al Ittihad. In contrast, newly promoted Al Qadsiah have been the surprise package of the season, currently 5th with 18 points. Backed by heavy investment and stellar performances, the visitors will look to compound Al Shabab’s misery and end 2025 on a high note.
Al Shabab vs Al Qadsiah — Match Info
- Competition: Saudi Pro League (Matchday 11)
- Venue: Al-Shabab Club Stadium, Riyadh (Capacity: 15,000)
- Date: Wednesday, 31 December 2025
- Kickoff: 20:30 AST (Local) | 17:30 GMT | 12:30 ET
- Referee: TBC (SAFF Appointment)
Al Shabab vs Al Qadsiah — Match Stakes
Al Shabab (13th — 8 pts):
- Win → Moves to 11 pts; lifts them away from the relegation zone and eases pressure on the manager.
- Draw → Stops the losing run; a small step towards stability.
- Loss → Ends the year in crisis; could drop into the relegation zone if results go against them.
Al Qadsiah (5th — 18 pts):
- Win → Moves to 21 pts; cements their status as “best of the rest” behind the Big 4.
- Draw → Keeps the points tally ticking; a solid result away from home.
- Loss → A missed opportunity to close the gap on the top 4; allows rivals like Al Ettifaq to catch up.
Al Shabab vs Al Qadsiah — Team News
Al Shabab:
- Yannick Carrasco — Out (Nose Surgery – Key Loss)
- Abderrazak Hamdallah — Out (International Duty – Arab Cup)
- Gustavo Cuéllar — Available (Midfield Anchor)
- Daniel Podence — Available (Creative Spark)
- Crisis Mode: Missing their two main goal threats (Carrasco & Hamdallah) leaves the attack looking toothless.
Al Qadsiah:
- Nacho Fernández — Questionable (Muscle Injury – Late fitness test)
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang — Available (Top Scorer)
- Koen Casteels — Available (Starting GK)
- Julián Quiñones — Out (Ankle Injury)
- Nahitan Nández — Available (Midfield Engine)
Al Shabab vs Al Qadsiah — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Al Shabab
- 27/12 — 0–2 vs Al Ittihad (SPL)
- 23/12 — 2–2 vs Al Rayyan (GCC Champions League)
- 29/11 — 1–4 vs Al Ittihad (Kings Cup)
- 23/11 — 1–1 vs Al Okhdood (SPL)
- 08/11 — 1–1 vs Al Ettifaq (SPL)
Al Qadsiah
- 27/12 — 1–1 vs Damac (SPL)
- 28/11 — 3–4 vs Al Ahli (Kings Cup – AET)
- 21/11 — 1–2 vs Al Ahli (SPL)
- 06/11 — 4–0 vs Al Kholood (SPL)
- 01/11 — 0–2 vs Al Taawoun (SPL)
Al Shabab vs Al Qadsiah — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- 13/02/2025 — Al Shabab 2–3 Al Qadsiah (SPL)
- 15/09/2024 — Al Qadsiah 0–1 Al Shabab (SPL)
- 05/03/2021 — Al Shabab 1–1 Al Qadsiah (SPL)
- 16/12/2020 — Al Qadsiah 1–0 Al Shabab (Kings Cup)
- 06/12/2020 — Al Qadsiah 2–1 Al Shabab (SPL)
Al Shabab vs Al Qadsiah — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Al Shabab (4-2-3-1)
Kim Seung-gyu; Al-Sagour, Hoedt, Renan, Al-Harbi; Cuéllar, Kanabah; Guanca, Podence, Al-Juwayr; Camara
Al Qadsiah (4-3-3)
Casteels; Al-Ammar, Thakri, Nacho (or Al-awjami), Al-Shamat; Nández, Puertas, Al-Qahtani; Al-Othman, Aubameyang, Carrillo
Al Shabab vs Al Qadsiah — Impact Bench
Al Shabab: Al-Muwallad (Speed), Diallo (Striker option)
Al Qadsiah: Vietto (Creative depth), Al-Najar (GK cover)
Al Shabab vs Al Qadsiah — Tactical Analysis
Al Shabab
Without Hamdallah and Carrasco, Al Shabab lacks a focal point. They will likely rely on Daniel Podence’s individual brilliance to create chances. Defensively, they are leaking goals (13 conceded), and their low block has been easily dismantled by pacey teams recently. They must avoid conceding early, or their fragile confidence will collapse.
Al Qadsiah
Michel’s side plays aggressive, attacking football. Even away from home, expect them to dictate the tempo with Nández and Puertas in midfield. Aubameyang’s movement will be a constant threat to Al Shabab’s static defense. They will look to exploit the spaces left by Shabab’s full-backs who often push too high without cover.
Al Shabab vs Al Qadsiah — Key Battles
- Aubameyang vs Hoedt — Elite striker vs physical defender.
- Podence vs Nández — Battle for space in the #10 role.
- Cuéllar vs Puertas — Midfield supremacy battle.
- Casteels vs Camara — GK needs to stay focused against rare Shabab attacks.
Al Shabab vs Al Qadsiah — Spotlight Players
Al Shabab — Daniel Podence
The Portuguese winger is the only remaining spark in a depleted attack. He needs to carry the team on his back if they are to get any result here.
Al Qadsiah — Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The former Arsenal and Chelsea star is enjoying life in Saudi Arabia. His finishing ability is the difference between these two sides right now.
Al Shabab vs Al Qadsiah — Prediction
Al Shabab 0–2 Al Qadsiah
Al Shabab are in freefall and missing their best players. Al Qadsiah, despite a couple of recent stumbles, have far more quality and cohesion. The visitors should comfortably secure all three points to cap off a fantastic 2025.
Al Shabab vs Al Qadsiah — Betting Insights
- Al Qadsiah to Win — High Value
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Score — Likely
- Under 2.5 Goals — Possible (Shabab struggle to score)
Al Shabab vs Al Qadsiah — Where to Watch
- Saudi Arabia: SSC (Saudi Sports Company) / Shahid
- International: DAZN, Fox Sports (USA)
Al Shabab vs Al Qadsiah — FAQs
Q: When is the Al Shabab vs Al Qadsiah match?
A: The match kicks off on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, at 20:30 local time.
Q: Is Carrasco playing?
A: No, he is out with a nose injury/surgery.
Q: Is Aubameyang playing?
A: Yes, he is available and expected to start for Al Qadsiah.
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