Damac vs Al Kholood Prediction

Damac vs Al Kholood prediction: goals edge in a relegation six-pointer

Damac vs Al Kholood prediction time arrives with the kind of tension you usually reserve for the last cookie in the box. This Saudi Pro League meeting is set for Tuesday, 2026-02-03, with kickoff at 15:40 GMT (18:40 local time) at Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium in Abha, and it feels like a classic “six-pointer” near the bottom. Damac sit 16th on 11 points, Al Kholood are 14th on 15 points, and neither side can afford another sloppy afternoon.

Match context, form, and the “Zekri derby” angle

Damac come in after a tight 2-1 loss to NEOM SC and a run that reads like a tough month: L-L-D-D-L-L. They have only one win in 18 league matches, so manager Noureddine Zekri has been preaching calm and structure. Al Kholood, meanwhile, were thumped 3-0 by Al Nassr and have also been stumbling: L-W-L-L-L-L. Des Buckingham wants more concentration for 90 minutes—because one mistake has often become two, then three.

The subplot is hard to miss: Zekri managed Al Kholood until June 2025. Now he’s trying to keep Damac up, using inside knowledge of players and habits. If anyone knows where the visitors may “switch off,” it’s probably him.

Tactics and players to watch

Zekri usually sets Damac up in a cautious 4-1-4-1 or 4-3.3, protecting central areas and countering quickly. Expect captain Farouk Chafaï to marshal the back line, with Valentín Vada and Morlaye Sylla tasked to create. Yakou Méïté should lead the line, while Nabil Alioui’s fitness is worth monitoring.

Al Kholood often line up 4-2-3.3, aiming to transition fast into Ramiro Enrique, their main scorer with 10 league goals. John Buckley and Kevin N’Doram are key for control. A potential problem: defender Norbert Gyömbér is a major doubt after a hamstring issue, and Myziane Maolida remains out long-term.

• Head to head: Damac won 2-1 in the last meeting (2024-11-24), and previous meetings have been lively, with both teams scoring.
• Recent surprises: Damac drew away at Al Fayha (1:1) despite 5.0 win odds; Al Kholood beat Al-Ahli Jeddah 1:0 with huge 7.5 odds.

Betting odds and NerdyTips AI picks

The 1X2 betting odds are tight: Home 2.86, Draw 3.3, Away 2.52. Our model leans to Al Kholood (market “2”) at 2.525, but the trust level is only 4.8/10—so treat it like a spicy option, not a “rent money” bet. The expected game script also backs a slight away edge: 46% vs 54% possession, shots 9 vs 11, and a big corner gap (5 vs 9), suggesting Al Kholood may spend more time in Damac’s half.

Best tip: over 1.5 total goals

The strongest angle is over 1.5 total goals at 1.35, with confidence 7.9/10. The predicted score is 1:3 (HT 1:2), and even with both teams projected for only 3 shots on target each, the defensive errors we’ve seen lately can do the rest. For a cleaner, safer read, this is the main Damac vs Al Kholood prediction to build around.

1. Primary bet: Over 1.5 goals @ 1.35
2. Secondary lean: Al Kholood to win @ 2.525 (lower confidence)