The key fixtures in next season's star-studded Saudi Pro League

The eyes of the world will be shortly drawn to the Saudi Pro League. 

With a major financial injection seeing some top talent following in Cristiano Ronaldo's footsteps, the competition has moved into a bold new era. 

Ahead of the new campaign, we take a look at the standout fixtures to look out for in Saudi Arabia next season. 

Al-Ittihad vs Al-Hilal: September 1

The first Saudi El Clasico of the season gets September off to a bang, with the reverse fixture being contested in March. 

It sees the defending champions Al-Ittihad, now bolstered by the signings of Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Fabinho, hosting the match in Jeddah. 

Riyadh-based Al-Hilal have purchased the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, Sergey Milinkovic-Savic and Malcolm, following last season's third-place finish. 

Al-Nassr vs Al-Ahli: September 20

Fans of Liverpool will be particularly interested in this reunion of some Anfield legends. 

The success of Jurgen Klopp's team in recent years was built upon a front three that included Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. 

Al-Nassr have just signed Mane from Bayern Munich, while Al-Ahli swooped earlier this summer for Firmino. 

Al-Ahli vs Al-Ettifaq: September 28

Another Anfield reunion takes place just a week later when Al-Ahli host Al-Ettifaq. 

As well as Firmino, Al-Ahli have signed other top Premier League talents such as Riyad Mahrez and Allan Saint-Maximin. 

Al-Ettifaq are now managed by Steven Gerrard, who has brought the Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabia. 

Al-Ittihad vs Al-Ahli: October 4

Jeddah's two biggest rivals meet in the Derby of the Mermaid in October. 

This will be the first time that the fixture has been played since 2022, with Al-Ahli having spent last season in the Saudi First Division, from which they emerged as champions. 

The newly-promoted team last won the Pro League in 2016, but will hope that their fresh investment will see them become competitive in the top flight. The reverse fixture is set to take place in April.

Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr: November 30

The other big grudge match in Saudi Arabia is the Capital Derby, contested by Riyadh's two biggest clubs. 

With Ronaldo already within their ranks from last season, Al-Nassr have seriously strengthened their options with the signings of Alex Telles, Marcelo Brozovic and Mane. 

The teams will meet again in the penultimate match of the season, in May. Both clubs will hope that there will be a lot riding on the encounter. 

Al-Ittihad vs Al-Nassr: December 13

These two teams fought it out for the title last season, with the former Wolves and Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo, guiding Al-Ittihad to glory. 

The reigning champions won the Saudi Pro League by a five-point margin over Al-Nassr in second. 

When it comes to the reverse match, the fixture computer has shown a sense of drama. The rivals will meet on the final day of the season.