Al Riyadh vs Al Kholood - Pro League

The history between Al Riyadh and Al Kholood lends this Pro League fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at SHG Arena on September 13, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

Both Al Riyadh and Al Kholood will be eager to build momentum when they meet in Pro League. The hosts have mirrored the form of a side still searching for rhythm — WDLWD over their last five, a win rate of 28.57%. The visitors have been picking up results steadily, LWDWD over their last five with a campaign win rate of 42.86%. Their respective approaches this season have differed noticeably, and the tactical contrast could prove telling. Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter analyses the big talking points from the first round of Women's Super League matches, bringing you closer to the key stories at the heart of the women's game.

The tactical battle could prove decisive. Al Riyadh may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Al Kholood have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. Amad won possession in the PSG half before laying the ball off for Bryan Mbeumo to score.

All eyes will be on the league's leading marksman I. Toney, whose 10 goals this season make him the standout threat and a player capable of deciding the outcome on his own. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. The striker excelled as a substitute under Michael Carrick last term, but found goals slightly harder to come by when starting for the Reds.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. With the sides so closely matched, a 2-2 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. The result at SHG Arena could resonate well beyond matchday in the Pro League picture. And Fonseca does not place too much weight on the decision of Roberto Martinez to omit him from the World Cup squad in favour of his Benfica team-mate Tomas Araujo.