- Damac FC vs Al-Okhdood Club, Saudi Pro League
- October 26, 2023
- 11 AM EST
- Damac Club Stadium, Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia
- Fox Soccer Plus
In the first time slot of the 11th matchday in the Saudi Pro League schedule, Damac hosts Al Okhdood. Damac lost to Ronaldo’s Al Nassr last time out by a score of 2-1. Al Okhood failed to capitalize at home in their previous match, falling to Al Fayha 2-1 as well. Continue reading to access betting odds and expert predictions for what should be a close battle in Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia.
Damac vs Al Okhdood Betting Odds
Home field advantage is a big factor in the Saudi Pro League, and it appears bookmakers are keen on that. Damac is priced to win this match at (-106), indicating an implied probability of 51.5%. In the event Al Okhdood recovers from their disappointing result last week, bettors will be paid out at a line of (+280). A draw is listed at (+250), currently available at highly-rated online sportsbook Bovada.
To better understand the 3-way moneyline (1X2) market, see our online soccer betting tips.
The Power of the “Big 4” in the Saudi Pro League Schedule
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has largely been responsible for the country’s massive spending in sports over the past few years. These ventures include a large gamble on golf with the creation of the LIV golf league, now merging with the PGA Tour. The Fund has recently taken over 4 of the Saudi Professional League’s top teams (Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, and Al Hilal). With such an influx in cash, these teams have been wheeling and dealing to acquire top global talent. Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, and last year’s Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema are all examples of recent major signings.
As a result, these clubs have a massive advantage over their less-fortunate opponents. The players can enjoy much better amenities, play in stadiums with larger capacities, and are heavily supported on social media. From a betting perspective, it is no surprise these clubs are consistently listed at such large odds. Any bettor should be wary of such significant factors tipped in the direction of a select few clubs in the league.
Al Okhdood Club Advanced Statistics
Along with Damac, Al Okhdood represents one of the smaller clubs in the Saudi Pro League who have not benefited from the influx of European talent. In fact, there is a notable absence of any such prominent players, with only the young midfielder Alex Collado coming from western Europe by way of Spain. So far, the 24-year-old has amassed 12 shots but has yet to score, good enough for 2nd on the team. Leandre Tawamba, a Cameroonian forward, has been the most active offensive player and will look to score his 3rd goal in this 2023-24 campaign on Friday.
Al Okhdood’s primary goalkeeper, Paulo Vitor of Brazil, is of great interest in this game. The 6’5” giant’s save-to-goal ratio is right on par with the average at 71%. 12 shots have passed the keeper by, which is not a bad metric considering more than half the league has conceded just many.
However, the club has been unfortunate on the other team’s end of the pitch. Al Okhdood have managed an average of 0.89 expected goals per game, but have only actually scored 0.6. This reveals a possibility that Al Okhdood have actually been better on paper than they have performed on the pitch, which could be accredited to unlucky shots near goal. In fact, Al Okhdood have scored just 7 goals all year, the worst total of any Saudi Pro League club.
If you believe Al Okhdood’s scoring woes will come to an end, you can bet the club to win with the button below.
Damac Latest Matches: Loss to Ronaldo Hard to Blame
Damac was victim to free kick wizardry last week, as Al Nassr scored two incredible spot kicks for the win. None other than the Portuguese superstar Ronaldo, whose free kick silhouette has been synonymous with mind-blowing highlights, converted the game-winner in the 56th minute.
Deceiving the opposition, he curled a shot just minutes after feigning a free kick. Talisca scored with a bouncing shot. He quickly rushed in after Ronaldo started his routine, bending it around the wall. Damac briefly led with a lightning-fast counter in the first half's waning moments but couldn't secure any points.
Damac is typically one of the stronger teams in the league despite their small stature. However, they are surely disappointed with their slow start to the 2023-24 campaign. The club’s struggles are rooted in Damac’s slow start to the season, in which they failed to win a game in the first 7 matches. Now, the club has won 2 out of the last 3, only losing to the 3rd-placed Al Nassr.
Damac vs Al Okhdood Prediction and Free Betting Pick
Damac are the better side based on advanced statistics, previous success in recent seasons, and offensive production. A win at home would legitimize Damac’s recent success and bring confidence to a club that isn’t yet too far away from the top of the league.
This line is baking in a loss to Al Nassr too heavily. These clubs are headed in two different directions, and it should show on Thursday. Damac are in great position to get a victory on their home turf and get nearer to the top half of the table. However, the Saudi Pro League is an extremely volatile division of Asian soccer, making predictions more difficult. Stick with a smaller bet, but take Damac to win.
Odds are accurate at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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