Al Ettifaq vs Al Qadsiah Match Preview and Prediction | Saudi Pro League 2025-26 Al Ettifaq and Al Qadsiah are set to face off in a crucial Saudi Pro League encounter on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at the Al Ettifaq Club Stadium in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The match, scheduled for 11:30 p.m. IST (06:00 PM GMT), will be broadcast live in various regions, including the United States via fubo TV and FOX Deportes, Nigeria through Star Times App and Sporty TV, and the UK via DAZN UK. The FanCode app and website will provide live streaming for Indian audiences. Al Ettifaq, currently in seventh place on the league table with 11 wins in 26 matches, are entering the game on a poor run of form. The team, managed by Brendan Rodgers, has failed to secure a win in their last four matches, including a 0-1 defeat to Al Fayha. Despite this slump, the Knights of the East remain a formidable force, with Georginio Wijnaldum as a key attacking threat. The 35-year-old Dutch forward has contributed 12 goals and five assists in 25 league games this season. However, injuries to Abdullah Khateeb and Madallah Al Olayan may impact their lineup. Al Qadsiah, on the other hand, are in strong form, having secured back-to-back wins in their last two matches. The Commandos, led by Saad Al Shehri, are unbeaten in their last 17 fixtures and have a record of 18 wins in 26 league games, placing them fourth in the standings. Their attacking prowess is highlighted by Julián Quiñones, the team’s top scorer with 24 goals and two assists in 23 appearances. Quiñones is expected to lead the charge against Al Ettifaq, making him a critical player to watch. The match history between the two teams adds context to the rivalry. Al Ettifaq have dominated their previous encounters, with the Commandos failing to secure a win in their last four meetings.#al_ettifaq #saad_al_shehri #al_qadsiah #brendan_rodgers #julian_quinones
Al Ettifaq vs Al Qadsiah: Live Streaming, TV Channel, Kick-Off Time & Where to Watch Saudi Pro League 2025-26 Al Ettifaq and Al Qadsiah are set to clash in a highly anticipated Saudi Pro League match at Al Ettifaq Club Stadium in Dammam. The encounter, scheduled for Sunday, April 5, 2026, will kick off at 11:30 p.m. IST. This fixture promises to be a pivotal moment in the league season, with both teams vying for crucial points in their respective campaigns. Al Ettifaq, currently sitting in seventh place on the league table with 11 wins from 26 matches, faces a challenging test against Al Qadsiah. The Saad Al Shehri-led side has struggled in their recent outings, failing to secure a victory in their last three fixtures against the Knights of the East. Their underperformance in the past four matches has raised concerns, and they will be under pressure to bounce back in this critical match. Al Qadsiah, on the other hand, enters the game on a strong run of form, having remained undefeated in their last 17 fixtures. The Knights of the East, led by Brendan Rodgers, are in a positive position heading into this contest. Their away game against Al Ettifaq presents an opportunity to extend their winning streak and move closer to the top three in the league standings. The team’s confidence is high, and their recent dominance suggests they are well-prepared for the challenge ahead. The match will be broadcast live to fans around the world, with different platforms offering coverage in various regions. In India, the game will be streamed on FanCode, while UK viewers can watch it on DAZN UK. For fans in the United States, the fuboTV and FOX Deportes services will provide live coverage. In Nigeria, the Star Times App and Sporty TV will broadcast the match.#al_ettifaq #al_qadsiah #brendan_rodgers #saudiproleague #dammam
Casteels, Rodak enter Eastern Derby with Golden Glove still up for grabs The second Eastern Derby of the 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League season promises to be a highly anticipated clash between Al Qadsiah and Al Ettifaq, with both teams vying for crucial points in the title race and individual accolades. Al Qadsiah, currently fourth in the league table, faces a pivotal test as they seek to close the gap on the top three, while Al Ettifaq aims to maintain their competitive edge in the East Coast rivalry. The match, set for Sunday at EGO Stadium in Dammam, carries significant weight beyond the league standings, as it also features a high-stakes battle between goalkeepers Koen Casteels and Marek Rodak for the Golden Glove award. Al Qadsiah’s position in the league is precarious. With five points separating them from second place and 10 points behind leaders Al Nassr, the team must secure maximum points to keep their title aspirations alive. The club’s recent form has been mixed, as they have conceded the most goals among the top four teams (16) but also scored the most goals in the league (46) under manager Brendan Rodgers. However, their defensive vulnerabilities have been evident, with only one clean sheet in their past five RSL fixtures. For Casteels, the Belgian goalkeeper, this match presents an opportunity to strengthen his case for the Golden Glove, which he previously won with 14 clean sheets in the 2024-25 season. Despite his team’s attacking prowess, Casteels’ ability to limit goals will be critical for Al Qadsiah’s late-season push. Meanwhile, Al Ettifaq’s goalkeeper Marek Rodak is also in the running for the Golden Glove, though his path is more complex.#al_ettifaq #al_qadsiah #koen_casteels #marek_rodak #roshn_saudi_league
Brendan Rodgers' new chapter in Saudi football has been praised by Italy striker Mateo Retegui, who called the Al Qadsiah manager a 'wonderful man' as his team prepares to face Northern Ireland in a World Cup play-off semi-final. The match, set for Thursday night at Atalanta's New Balance Stadium in Bergamo, marks a significant moment for both teams as they vie for a place in the final of the play-off round. Retegui, an Argentine-born forward who joined the Saudi Pro League this summer for £55 million, has expressed admiration for Rodgers' leadership and success since his arrival in December. The former Celtic and Liverpool manager has led Al Qadsiah to a strong start, securing 14 wins and three draws in his first 17 matches, propelling the club into title contention. Retegui highlighted Rodgers' impact, stating that the team has not lost a game under his guidance and that their collaboration has been marked by mutual respect and a positive rapport. The Italian national team, managed by Rino Gattuso, faces a crucial test against Northern Ireland, a match that could determine their path to the World Cup finals in North America. The winners of this tie will face the victors of the Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina clash, with the final four teams set to compete in Group B alongside co-hosts Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar. Retegui's comments come amid a tense atmosphere in the play-off group, where Bosnia-Herzegovina's head coach Sergej Barbarez recently apologized to Brondby manager Steve Cooper after accusing him of deliberately dropping a midfielder in a draw to harm his side's chances.#mateo_retegui #rino_gattuso #al_qadsiah #brendan_rodgers #atalanta_new_balance_stadium
Italy v Northern Ireland: Rodgers 'a wonderful man' - Italy striker Retegui - BBC Sport Italy striker Mateo Retegui has praised Brendan Rodgers, his manager at Al Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, calling him a "wonderful man" ahead of Italy's World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland. The match, set for Thursday in Bergamo, is a crucial step for Italy as they aim to secure a spot in the finals for the third consecutive time. Rodgers, who previously coached Liverpool, Leicester City, and Celtic, is also the manager of Northern Ireland, adding a personal dimension to the clash. Retegui, 26, emphasized his positive relationship with Rodgers, noting that the manager has been instrumental in the team's success since joining the club in December. "Ever since Brendan came to the club, I don't think we've lost a game," Retegui said. "We've won 14 and drawn three. I speak a great deal with him, and I have a wonderful rapport with Brendan." He also dismissed any suggestions of tension, stating there was no ill-feeling with Rodgers despite the personal connection. The Italian forward addressed rumors that Rodgers had joked about wanting Italy to lose to Northern Ireland, clarifying that the manager had only wished him the best of luck. "He's a wonderful man, a top coach, and he's already proven that at all the clubs he's worked for," Retegui said. "When I go back, we'll have another chat." The winner of Thursday's match will face either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina in the final play-off round, with the victor earning a place in the World Cup finals. The tournament will feature co-hosts Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar, creating a challenging path for the advancing team. Italy has struggled to qualify for recent World Cups, missing out on the last two tournaments after shock play-off defeats to Sweden and North Macedonia.#italy #world_cup #mateo_retegui #al_qadsiah #brendan_rodgers
Mateo Retegui has made a strong impression in the Saudi Pro League since joining Al Qadsiah last summer, with his performances drawing attention from both domestic and international football circles. The Argentine striker, who previously won the Serie A top scorer title, has become a key figure for Brendan Rodgers’ side, playing as the first-choice forward in the club’s 3-5-2 formation. His partnership with Mexican teammate Julian Quinoes has been a focal point of Al Qadsiah’s attacking strategy, and Retegui’s ability to consistently find the net has solidified his status as one of the league’s top scorers. In his 25 appearances for the club, Retegui has netted 15 goals, placing him among the league’s elite strikers. His tally matches that of notable players like João Félix, Yannick Carrasco, and Ramiro Enrique, though he trails behind leaders such as Ivan Toney, Julian Quinones, and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Saudi Pro League, however, has faced interruptions due to the ongoing situation in Iran, leading to a temporary suspension of matches. This pause has allowed Retegui to focus on his national team duties, where he continues to play a pivotal role under Italy manager Rino Gattuso. Retegui’s contributions to the Italian squad have been significant, with the striker scoring five goals and providing four assists in the last six qualifiers since Gattuso took charge. His form has earned him regular call-ups, positioning him as the Azzurri’s top scorer in recent international fixtures. Despite his success, the player remains a target in the transfer market, with rumors linking him to Milan. These rumors suggest that informal discussions between Retegui and the Rossoneri had already begun before his move to Saudi Arabia.#cristiano_ronaldo #mateo_retegui #al_qadsiah #brendan_rodgers #julian_quinoes
