Eastern Derby: Al Qadsiah host Al Ettifaq in Saudi league clash
On Friday, 11 September, Al Qadsiah face Al Ettifaq in Round 7 of the Saudi Premier League, a fixture known as the 'Eastern Derby', with Al Qadsiah looking to avenge last season's defeat.
Match basics
On Friday, 11 September 2026, Al Qadsiah host Al Ettifaq in a Round 7 fixture of the Saudi Premier League (Roshn Saudi League). According to TNT Sports, kick-off is at 16:25 local time at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium. The meeting is known as the 'Eastern Derby' since both clubs are neighbours in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province.
As OneFootball reports, citing spl.com.sa, Al Qadsiah go into the match still stinging from last season's defeat to Al Ettifaq. Al Qadsiah are managed by Brendan Rodgers, while Al Ettifaq are now led by new coach Arthur Papas, recruited from Cerezo Osaka to replace Saad Al Shehri, who had previously worked under Ange Postecoglou at Yokohama F. Marinos.
Key battles that could decide the match
Both sides favour possession football. Al Ettifaq have led possession in every match this season (averaging 58% and 435 passes), while Al Qadsiah have trailed in possession only once — against NEOM SC, a game they still won 2-0 (averaging 57.5% possession and 507 passes).
In midfield, Alvaro Medran (one goal, two assists, 18 chances created) will face off against former Manchester City player Tijjani Reijnders, who has three goals from 14 shots this season, including a brace against Al Ahli.
Up front, Julian Quinones stands out — despite only two goals in six rounds this season, he is a 'Derby specialist' with four goals in four appearances against Al Ettifaq, including a double in last season's 3-2 defeat. He is usually marked by Jack Hendry, but after an injury sustained on Tuesday against Al Faisaly, Abdullah Madu could take his place.
On the flanks, Al Qadsiah rely on Christopher Bonsu Baah and Mohammed Abu Al Shamat (three goals, two assists), while Al Ettifaq — who have kept three clean sheets in their last four matches — will look to Radi Al Otaibi and Madallah Al Olayan to contain them.
Line-ups
According to YSscores, Al Qadsiah will line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation led by captain Nacho, while Al Ettifaq will set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation led by Khateeb.
