Jouy Elite League returns as Al-Ittihad face Al-Kholood test and Al-Hilal seek revival

The Jouy Elite League, Saudi Arabia’s Under-21 competition, returns on Monday, 12 October, after a break of more than three weeks for the recent international window.

The sixth round features several important fixtures, with Al-Ittihad aiming to protect top spot and Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli seeking to return to winning ways.

The round begins with Al-Khaleej hosting Al-Taawoun in Sayhat, while Al-Ettifaq face Al-Faisaly in Dammam. Al-Hilal welcome Al-Watan in Riyadh, Neom visit Al-Riyadh and Al-Ahli meet Al-Wehda in Jeddah.

The second day starts with Al-Nassr against Al-Tadamon in Riyadh. Al-Okhdood play Al-Jabalain in Abha, Al-Hazem host Damac in Ar Rass and Al-Orobah face Al-Fayha in Al-Jawf.

Al-Qadsiah visit Al-Ansar in Medina, while Al-Najma meet Al-Fateh at the Education Department Stadium in Unaizah. The round concludes in Jeddah with leaders Al-Ittihad hosting Al-Kholood.

Al-Hilal aim to rebuild momentum

Al-Hilal return to action against Al-Watan looking to recover from an inconsistent run that has seen them take only 4 of the last 9 available points across their past three matches.

They lost 2-1 to Al-Taawoun, responded with a 4-0 victory over Neom and then drew 3-3 with Al-Jabalain. Those results have left Al-Hilal fourth on 10 points, three behind leaders Al-Ittihad.

Al-Watan are 19th with 3 points, earned from one win, but they were beaten 4-0 by Al-Ahli.

Al-Ahli also have a favourable opportunity to claim three points when they host Al-Wehda. They have drawn two of their last three games, against Al-Jabalain and Al-Qadsiah, both by 2-2, with a 4-0 win over Al-Watan in between.

The latest draw saw them surrender first place to Al-Ittihad. Al-Ahli are now third on 11 points, two behind the leaders. Al-Wehda are 16th with 4 points, having recorded one win and one draw and suffered three defeats.

Alongside Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli remain unbeaten in the competition this season.

Al-Nassr face bottom side

Al-Nassr host Al-Tadamon after ending a two-match losing run with a 1-0 win over Damac. Before that, they had lost 2-1 to Al-Fateh and 3-2 to Al-Fayha.

They remain 14th on 6 points, but will see the fixture as a chance to build further momentum. Al-Tadamon are 24th and last, without a point after losing all four of their matches. They also have the league’s weakest defence, having conceded 16 goals, five more than the next-worst team.

Leaders wary of Al-Kholood

Al-Ittihad have won four consecutive matches since drawing their opening game and lead the table with 13 points.

Their unbeaten record will be tested by Al-Kholood, who have won their past three games after losing to Al-Hilal in their first match. Their latest victory was a 3-1 win over Al-Ettifaq, the standout result of the previous round.

Al-Kholood sit seventh on 9 points, but another victory could carry them into the top four.