A new era in Jeddah and the champions’ stumbles take centre stage for match-week 21 in the Saudi Professional League. Al Ahli Jeddah, finally, have fresh leadership at the helm ahead of Al Fayha’s visit. There will also be some anxiety taking over Al Nassr after they dropped further off the lead last weekend. Here are the standout fixtures: AL AHLI JEDDAH V AL FAYHA (FRIDAY, 21:40) Step forward Vladan Milojevic. The innovative, and coveted, Serbian signed up this week – on an 18-month contract – to become Ahli’s fifth permanent manager since the start of 2018/19. There is, though, a sense of something different about the prolific title winner at Red Star Belgrade. This extends beyond any perceived ability to navigate the choppy political waters that witnessed predecessor Christian Gross dismissed – for a third time – with the three-time champions third. A nickname of ‘Superman’ was well earned at Red Star Belgrade. The 49-year-old is a prolific developer of youngsters, engineered a famous 2-0 victory against eventual UEFA Champions League winners Liverpool last term and has enjoyed a productive relationship with Ahli’s ex-Germany playmaker Marko Marin at his previous posting. Big things are expected – beginning with Friday’s visit of ninth-placed Al Fayha. Marko Marin (l) (EPA). “My goal is to lead the team to the forefront of all competitions in which it competes,” Milojevic said. “My slogan is to work and strive to achieve all the goals that we aspire to. “I watched the last two matches of the team and I cannot evaluate the players through television screens.” Milojevic will be further boosted by the sight last weekend of Syria superstar Omar Al Somah getting his first goal since a dislocated shoulder. That this came in a contest at champions Al Nassr where a two-goal lead dissolved into a 2-2 draw, however, showcases the mixed bag he’s inherited. The talent is there, it just requires the right man to bring it out… AL HAZEM V AL ITTIHAD (THURSDAY, 19:45) Ittihad had won just one of their last five SPL matches before the visit of Al Shabab. The Fabio Carille effect, however, propelled the fallen giant to a 5-1 humbling of their capital opponents. This dominant result, in the ex-Corinthians and Al Wehda supremo’s second game in charge, propelled the Tigers towards a four-point safety net, plus gave rise to hope that the bad times are behind them. This recovery should be continued at just one of four team below them in the standings – Al Hazem. Nothing, however, is guaranteed when the modern-day Ittihad are involved. Romarinho (l) (EPA). Carille will take comfort in two-goal Romarinho’s return to his electric best after he was messed about by predecessor Henk ten Cate’s tinkering. The loss of Karim El Ahmadi is the only dark cloud on the horizon. The omnipresent Morocco anchor man won six of his seven ground duels versus Shabab, according to SofaScore.com. AL FAISALY V AL NASSR (SATURDAY, 19:40) It is not hyperbole to suggest the holders are one inopportune round away from surrendering their crown. Their rollercoaster stalemate with Ahli, combined with leaders Al Hilal at Al Taawoun securing a dogged fifth-successive SPL win, has opened up a five-point with only two/thirds of the campaign played. A pace is being set at the front that Nassr, at present, cannot keep up with. They must remain within striking distance ahead of March 20’s colossal derby tussle. Al Faisaly (EPA). Al Faisaly represent a significant hurdle along the way to the summit clash. Pericles Chamusca’s men are up to fifth in the wake of last Friday’s 2-0 win at bottom-placed Al Adalah. A 2-2 draw was also recorded in this fixture last term. Rogerinho’s 98th-minute penalty stung the visitors then, yet this dramatic setback, ultimately, proved inconsequential. It is unlikely the same would be said if history repeated itself on Saturday.
from Sport360 - Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/football/saudi-professional-league/342595/saudi-professional-league-vladan-milojevic-era-begins-at-al-ahli-jeddah-al-nassr-approach-title-precipice
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