Who are Al-Shabab FC? Saudi Arabian league leaders…

Who are Al-Shabab FC? Saudi Arabian league leaders profiled as friendly against Sunderland looms

Sunderland face Saudi Arabian league leaders Al-Shabab in a midseason friendly on Friday at the Jebel Ali Centre of Excellence in Dubai.

The Black Cats have two players featuring at the World Cup in Qatar with Jewison Bennette starring for Costa Rica and Bailey Wright representing Australia.

The Saudi Professional League has been paused for two months due to the World Cup and is set to return on December 16.

Sunderland fans have recently expressed their concerns over the friendly fixture, having been opposed to PIF's takeover at fierce rivals Newcastle United.

Here is everything you need to know about Sunderland's next opponents...

How Al Shabab have performed this season?

Al-Shabab, who are situated in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh, have lifted the Saudi Professional League on six occasions but have gone 10 years without winning a league title.

Their strong start to the current campaign has left them in good stead to end that drought. The White Lion sit at the top of the table, with seven wins and one draw from their opening eight games.

They've scored a league-high 20 goals and conceded just two goals in the process, and boast a three-point lead over second-place Al-Nassr.

Manager: Vicente Moreno

Moreno is famed for leading RCD Mallorca into La Liga via back-to-back promotions. Although they suffered instant relegation in 2020, Moreno then joined Espanyol, who he guided to the Spanish second-tier title in 2021.

The 48-year-old took over Al Shabab in July and is unbeaten with his new club - collecting seven wins from his opening eight games (D1).

Key Player: Carlos

Carlos is leading the race for the golden boot in the Saudi Pro League with six goals in seven appearances. The Brazilian currently sits ahead of former Benfica attacking midfielder Talisca and ex-Porto striker Moussa Marega.

He has also scored five goals in four appearances in the AFC Champions League to extend his season total to 11 goals across all competitions.

The 27-year-old arrived from Portuguese side Santa Clara in the summer of 2021, after previously playing for Louletano and Rio Ave in Europe.

The winger started his career at Atletico Miniero, and also had stints at Internacional and Parana in his homeland.

Familiar Faces

Former West Brom midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak won't be in action against the Black Cats. The Poland international, who has also played for the likes of Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain, is currently playing at the World Cup in Qatar.

However, ex-Argentina midfielder Ever Banega could be in action for the Saudi side. The 34-year-old was capped 65 times by his nation and starred for a number of high-profile clubs such as Valencia, Sevilla and Inter Milan.

Which players will be on World Cup duty?

As previously mentioned, Krychowiak is playing at his second World Cup finals for Poland. The 32-year-old started as Poland drew 0-0 in their Group C opener against Mexico.

Kim Seung-gyu is South Korea's first-choice goalkeeper and will kick-off his World Cup campaign against Uruguay on Thursday at 1pm (UK time).

Hassan Al-Tambakti started in Saudi Arabia's historic 2-1 win over Argentina, while Hattan Bahebri came off the bench. Nawaf Al-Abed, who is also at the World Cup with Saudi Arabia, was only an unused substitute.