Raja head coach Fadlu Davids prepares major changes after Wydad defeat

Raja Club Athletic are expected to undergo significant changes to their starting lineup following their derby defeat to Wydad AC, with head coach Fadlu Davids preparing a reshuffle ahead of their next fixture.

The Green Eagles will face Chabab Al Massira next Saturday at the Mohammed V Stadium in the Round of 32 of the Throne Cup.

Opportunity for fringe players

The technical staff are expected to use the cup tie as an opportunity to hand game time to several players who have seen limited action since the start of the season.

Among those likely to benefit is goalkeeper Khalid Kabir Al-Alawi, who joined the club from Olympique Club de Safi at the beginning of the season and could make his first official appearance.

Al-Mahdi Al-Mashkhakh and Yahya Ighiz are also being considered for inclusion as Davids looks to assess squad depth ahead of a crucial phase of the campaign.

Rotation driven by derby fatigue

The reshuffle comes in response to the physical and mental fatigue accumulated after the intense derby against Wydad.

Davids is reportedly keen to rest several key players in order to maintain freshness across a congested schedule, while also testing the readiness of squad members who have been on the fringes.

Rebuilding confidence after derby setback

Raja are still looking to quickly recover from the disappointment of their derby loss and return to winning ways.

The club’s coaching staff view the Throne Cup as an important platform to restore confidence and momentum within the squad.

The upcoming match will also carry added significance as it will be the final fixture played behind closed doors due to a suspension imposed on the club following incidents during their previous “Clasico” against AS FAR.

Fans return expected to boost momentum

Raja are expected to welcome supporters back in future matches, a development the club believes could provide a major psychological boost.

Davids is hopeful that improved performances and squad rotation will help the team regain balance as they push forward in domestic competitions.