Al-Rustaq vs Al-Shabab Prediction at 16-01-2026

Team Analysis

Al-Rustaq

• Recent Form: Al-Rustaq has shown commendable spirit, going into this match with a record of 3 wins and 2 losses in their last five matches. Their recent victory against Al-Nasr must have boosted their confidence significantly.
• Key Players: The spotlight will be on their talismanic forward, Mohammed Al-Farsi, who has netted 10 goals this season and is adept at finding spaces in tight defenses. Additionally, their goalkeeper, Ahmed Khalil, plays a crucial role, having recorded 4 clean sheets in previous matches.
• Strengths and Weaknesses: Strong defensively, Al-Rustaq excels at home, often using their crowd to drive them forward. However, inconsistencies in midfield can leave them vulnerable to counterattacks.

Al-Shabab

• Recent Form: Al-Shabab has been impressive, showcasing their attacking prowess with 4 wins and 1 draw in their last five outings. Their draw against defending champions Sohar exemplified their resilience.
• Key Players: Keep an eye on playmaker Ali Al-Saeed, whose creativity and vision are vital for their offensive play. Forward Omar Al-Hamadi, with 12 goals to his name, has the potential to turn the game on its head when needed.
• Strengths and Weaknesses: Al-Shabab thrives on fast-paced transitions and wing play, but they sometimes struggle defensively, particularly when opponents press high.

Statistics and Historical Context

The historical head-to-head record slightly favors Al-Shabab, who have claimed victory in 4 of their last 6 encounters. The last meeting ended in a thrilling 3-2 win for Al-Shabab, showcasing their potent attack and Al-Rustaq's defensive vulnerabilities. In terms of the current season, Al-Rustaq has scored 18 goals but conceded 16, while Al-Shabab has managed 24 goals and conceded 12, indicating a more balanced defense.

Venue dynamics play a significant role; Al-Rustaq enjoys a formidable home advantage at their stadium, where their loyal fans create an electric atmosphere that often inspires the team to perform at higher levels.

Contextual Factors

As match day approaches, weather conditions are expected to be mild, with no rain in the forecast, which could favor an open style of play that both teams prefer. Injuries, however, could significantly influence the game. Al-Rustaq will likely miss defender Yassir Al-Khaldi due to a lengthy layoff, while Al-Shabab is dealing with the potential absence of midfielder Hamad Al-Mahri, whose creativity and adaptability could impact their game plan.

Prediction

Given the current form and statistical advantages, this matchup is poised for excitement. Expect a closely contested encounter, but with Al-Rustaq’s home advantage and their recent momentum, they are in a strong position to take all three points. I predict a narrow victory for Al-Rustaq, with a scoreline of 2-1.

For betting enthusiasts, consider an option on Al-Rustaq to win with both teams scoring — a likely scenario given the attacking talents on display. The probabilities lean slightly in favor of Al-Rustaq at around 55%, while a drawn game sits at approximately 25%.