Al Fateh, Al Taawoun and Abha face uphill fight at the foot of Saudi Pro League

Al Fateh, Al Taawoun and Abha have endured a deeply troubled opening to the Saudi Pro League season, with the bottom three clubs collecting just one victory between them in their first 35 matches.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, the teams have suffered 23 defeats and recorded 11 draws, returning only 14 points from a possible 105. Their combined win rate stands at 2.9%.

The trio have scored 23 goals at an average of 0.66 per game, while conceding 64 – a rate of 1.83 goals per match. All three clubs have already made changes in the dugout as they attempt to prevent their seasons from deteriorating further.

Al Fateh’s defensive problems

Al Fateh are the highest-placed of the three, sitting 16th with six points from 12 matches. Their record is one win, three draws and eight defeats.

That solitary victory has not lifted them clear of danger, with defensive weakness the team’s most pressing concern. Al Fateh have scored 10 goals but conceded 25, the worst defensive record among the bottom three.

The campaign began with Khaled Al-Atwi in charge before the club appointed Moroccan coach Jamal Sellami. The change has yet to produce the expected improvement, although Al Fateh’s only victory came under the new manager.

Al Taawoun struggling to convert chances

Al Taawoun are 17th on five points after five draws and seven defeats, leaving them without a win in their opening 12 league games.

Their principal difficulty has been in attack. They have scored only six times – an average of 0.5 goals per match – making them the lowest scorers of the three sides, while conceding 20 goals.

Recent matches have highlighted their inability to protect promising positions. Al Taawoun led against Al-Ettifaq through Abdulrazak Hamdallah’s penalty but conceded an equaliser in the 90th minute. They also appeared set to take a point against Al-Qadsiah before allowing a decisive goal in the 96th minute.

The contrast with their continental campaign is stark. Al Taawoun have qualified for the last 16 of AFC Champions League Two despite remaining winless domestically.

Serbian manager Zarko Lazetic was dismissed after a heavy 6-0 defeat by Al-Hilal and replaced by compatriot Vuk Rasovic, but the managerial switch has not yet ended their search for a league victory.

Abha make another change

Abha are bottom with three points from 11 matches. They have drawn three games, lost eight and scored seven goals while conceding 19.

They claimed a point against Al-Ittihad in their most recent fixture, offering some encouragement as Croatian coach Tio Perija took charge. He succeeded compatriot Damir Buric, who was dismissed after previously leading Abha to promotion.

The current break gives all three clubs time to recover injured players, improve fitness and address repeated mistakes. Al Fateh must strengthen their defence, Al Taawoun need greater attacking efficiency, and Abha will hope the latest coaching change brings an immediate response.

Their meeting after the break could be particularly significant, offering Al Taawoun or Abha the chance to secure a first win. The other fixtures will see Al Taawoun play Al-Ahli, Abha face Al-Shabab and Al Fateh meet Al-Riyadh.