Winners and Losers: The October International Break Reboots the Saudi Pro League’s Big Four

Al-Ittihad: A Lifeline Ahead of the October Break

Al-Ittihad began the season with high expectations after last year’s double, but early results fell short of that pace. The team showed weakness in defense and inconsistent attack, and injuries to key players like Karim Benzema added to the trouble. Without a clear, settled plan, they looked adrift as the title race heated up. The break, however, could be a chance to reset and reassemble, with veteran leadership emphasized and a potential reshuffle in the works to restore balance.

In defense, the team has suffered from recurring individual errors and weak coverage on the flanks, which has cost them crucial points. The absence of a settled tactical approach, combined with injuries and midseason fatigue, has kept fans on edge. A rapid return to discipline and leveraging the experience of senior players could help them rejoin the title chase, possibly with a new coach delivering a clearer identity.

Al-Ahli: The Red-Flag Season

Al-Ahli have spent big in the transfer market and added experienced European players, but results have not matched expectations. They have shown flashes of a potent attacking identity, tempered by defensive lapses and a lack of cohesion. Domestically and in Asia they’ve been solid at times, yet an early international setback in the Intercontinental Cup to Pyramids FC in Jeddah has reminded them that nothing is won on paper. The October window is a chance to recalibrate and chase consistency.

Fans remain wary as the team seeks balance between ambition and stability, hoping that the coaching and squad depth can translate pressure into points. If they can plug the defensive gaps and convert chances more efficiently, Al-Ahli could reassert themselves as a genuine challenger rather than a sporadic spark.

Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr: Relative Comfort, Yet No Time to Rest

Al-Hilal started the season with strong administrative stability and big-name players, with continued form from the likes of Salem Al-Dawsari and Sergej Savic, plus the arrival of Italian coach Simone Inzaghi from Inter Milan to blend defense with attack. The team has shown a flexible approach, alternating between a 3-5-2 and 4-3-3 to control and threaten, and injuries haven’t derailed their momentum. Fans are hopeful Inzaghi can steer the club back to the league throne and push in continental and world competitions.

In parallel, Al-Nassr began with a near-perfect league start under Jorge Jesus, boasting a stingy defense and impressive results in domestic play. They approach the break with momentum, but there is a risk that the rhythm could stall if the October schedule becomes heavier and momentum is lost. A refreshed, fit squad could power them into crucial clashes, including potential King’s Cup showdowns with rivals.

Two punchlines: If this league were a sniper, the international break is the calm before the headshot—on the title. Timing is everything in football and in comedy—October breaks are when the drama reloads.