Preview: Al Ula look to consolidate against struggling Al Jubail
The Division 1 spotlight turns to Medina on 12/01/2026 as Al Ula host Al Jubail at the Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz Stadium in Round 16. Al Ula arrive with realistic momentum — sitting fifth in the table with 27 points from 15 matches — and a recent run that mixes resilience and attacking intent. Al Jubail, by contrast, trail in 17th with a meagre five points from 14 fixtures and a string of results that underline serious problems at both ends of the pitch.
Al Ula have produced an often entertaining campaign: 32 goals scored and just 16 conceded overall, a sign their attack carries real threat while the defensive record is solid. Recent form shows a team that rarely collapses — draws and narrow margins dominate their latest ten fixtures, but there are notable wins, including a convincing 5-1 victory over Al-Jandal in late December. That attacking pedigree is backed by an average of nearly 12 shots per game and a healthy shots-on-target number, which suggests they create consistent chances at home.
Al Jubail’s uphill battle
Al Jubail’s season reads like a fight for survival. Only one win so far and heavy defeats pepper their schedule, with 26 goals conceded across 14 matches. The visitors do show willingness to attack — their dangerous-attacks average is high — but translating that into consistent scoring has been the issue: just eight goals all season. Their recent 2-0 win over Al Arabi Saudi is a reminder they can spring a surprise, but that result stands out as an exception in a sequence dominated by losses.
Tactically, expect Al Ula to press their advantage. Home stats point to control in the attacking third and a decent corners average, which could be crucial for breaking down an undermanned Al Jubail backline. The visiting side’s defensive fragility and low goal return make them vulnerable to higher-quality finishing and sustained pressure.
Key talking points
Al Ula’s last outing — a narrow 3-2 loss at Al Raed where Ayman Al-Khulaif was the standout performer — shows they’re competitive even in defeat. Al Jubail’s recent best performer, Fayçal Fajr, helped secure a rare victory against Al Arabi Saudi, but one game doesn’t erase a season of struggles. With Al Ula’s history of involvement in matches with goals and Al Jubail’s inconsistent scoring, this clash promises action but favors the hosts.
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Betting suggestion
Prediction (1X2): Back Al Ula to win. The combination of table position, home attacking metrics and Al Jubail’s defensive record point strongly to a home victory. This is the clean, data-driven pick for the match.
