JEDDAH — The Saudi Professional League will kick off with five matches taking place in the first round Thursday. The defending champion, Al-Shabab, will open the league with a match against Najran. Wehda will face Ittifaq in Dammam, Al-Fateh will host Nasr in Al-Ahsa and Kings Cup champion Al-Ahli will host Al-Sholah at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium. The Saudi league will take a break during the last 10 days of Ramadan and will resume action after Eid vacation. Undefeated Shabab finished the league on top with a record 64 points while Ahli was second with 62. Hilal ranked third (60), while Ittifaq finished fourth (44). — SG