Match snapshot and mood in the camp
NEOM SC welcome Al Najma to King Khalid Sport City Stadium in Tabouk on 25/12/2025 at 17:30 in a fixture that looks weighted on paper. The home side sit 8th with 14 points from nine games and have shown a patchy but recognizable pattern: four wins, two draws and three defeats. NEOM’s recent results include hard-fought draws and a couple of victories — most recently a 1-1 draw away to Al Taawoun and a 3-2 win at Al Kholood earlier in the season — and their H2H earlier this year saw them collect a 2-0 success over Al Najma on 19 February. That history and their home comfort will be key ingredients as they chase another three points in the Pro League.
Al Najma arrive in much bleaker form. Rooted to 18th with a solitary point from nine matches, their ledger reads zero wins, one draw and eight losses. They have managed seven goals while shipping twenty, and their recent run is heavy on defeats with the exception of a 0-0 stalemate at Damac. Away numbers for Al Najma are particularly worrying: fewer total shots (79 across the season) and a concerning goals conceded away tally. Confidence will be low and travel to Tabouk compounds their uphill task.
Tactical leanings, stats and what they tell us
NEOM’s attacking output shows promise: 13 goals scored overall, 114 total shots and a solid average of 12.67 shots per game, with 41 on target. They generate dangerous attacks at a rate that outstrips Al Najma’s, and their defensive record at home (seven conceded) is respectable given the league. Al Najma meanwhile struggle to create consistently and concede heavily, with an away goals-conceded figure that suggests defensive frailties could be exposed again.
On the goals market both teams have contributed to matches that see over 2.5 goals in more than half of NEOM’s fixtures and two-thirds of Al Najma’s, but the contrast in quality and current league positions points to a contest where NEOM control the tempo. The bookmakers echo this: NEOM are strong favourites at 1.44 while a draw and an away win are priced at 4.60 and 6.25 respectively.
Verdict and tip
Given home form, the recent H2H advantage, superior attacking numbers and a stark gulf in league position, NEOM SC are the logical selection for this encounter. For those who want to read up on how to pick the right markets before placing stakes, the piece on Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets is a good primer, and if you struggle with decision-making under pressure consider the guide on How to have emotional control when placing bets? to keep discipline in your staking plan.
Betting suggestion: Back NEOM SC to win (1X2) at odds 1.44. This selection aligns with the probability gap, home advantage, the head-to-head edge and Al Najma’s alarming away form. Stake cautiously given the low return — a responsible, small stake is advised.
