The conclusion of last season’s Zain Saudi Professional League was a nail-biter, with the country’s football fans on the edge of their seats as the race for top spot between Riyadh outfit Al Shabab and Jeddah’s Al Ahli went down to the line.

Al Shabab prevailed in the end, but the dramatic events of the Saudi league competition hinted at a seismic shift in the balance of power. Perennial favourites Al Hilal have not been champions for two seasons in a row, while Al Ahli’s success suggests they are finally emerging from the shadows of Jeddah rivals Al Ittihad.

With a new season set to get underway, FIFA.com takes a whistle-stop tour of the Saudi clubs preparing to tilt for the title.