Lead:
Al-Shabab defeated Al-Ahli 6–1 in Matchday 12 of the Saudi Professional League, with Ricardo Matias scoring in the second minute after a critical error by defender Ryan Hamed, followed by the dismissal of Al-Ahli goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al-Sanbi on a straight red card in the 22nd minute.
Top Stories:
Chelsea vs Manchester United — Chelsea, fifth in the Premier League with 13 points under manager Xabi Alonso, hosts Manchester United, 16th with 7 points, at Stamford Bridge on Saturday at 15:30. Alonso has called for his team to return to winning form after consecutive defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.Al-Hilal leads Saudi Professional League — Al-Hilal holds 27 points atop the Saudi Professional League standings with one match in hand and hosts Al-Faiha at Kingdom Arena on Matchday 12. The defending champions are seeking to maintain their position after a continental setback.Al-Attifaq defeats Al-Ahli expectation — Following their heavy loss to Al-Shabab, Al-Ahli faces uncertainty regarding manager Marino Bostic's future. Sources report the Dutch coach's departure is expected after Monday's AFC Champions League match against Al-Sadd in Doha.Saudi Volleyball League opens — The Saudi Professional Volleyball League began its 2026–2027 season on Friday with four matches; Al-Ahli, Al-Khawlah, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ibtisamah all secured victories. The new format permits three foreign players per squad.Saudi Arabia prepares for AFC Asian Cup — Manager Georgioe Donies will announce the squad for the Saudi national team's Doha training camp this week ahead of the AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia from 7 January to 5 February 2027. The squad will face South Korea on 13 November and Uzbekistan on 17 November during the international break.Al-Ittihad excluded Riyos for Al-Ain fixture — Manager Jens Vishnig excluded Colombian striker Richard Rios from Monday's AFC Champions League match against Al-Ain due to a left ankle injury sustained in Friday's Saudi Professional League game against Abha.What to Watch:
Al-Faiha faces Al-Hilal on Matchday 12 of the Saudi Professional League at Kingdom Arena, with the defending champions seeking to consolidate their lead. The Egyptian Football Association moves to contain tensions between captain Mohamed Salah and technical director Hossam Hassan as the federation president Hany Abu Rida plans a visit to Salah in Turkey in the coming hours.