I would say Al Ahli saudi's squad is quite strong this season too. But whether they can compete for the title is not certain. If the performances are not regular, the team will not compete for the title. If they won the first match this season, the team lost points against Al Fateh in the second match. However, Ahli's squad has several talented strikers like Ivan Toney, Riyad Mahraz and Firmino. Also, the midfield of this team is quite strong. If Ahli's coach was more experienced then maybe we would have seen a better performance from this team.
Toney, Mahrez and Firmino can support each other well and it reminds me about Mane, Salah, Firmino in Liverpool years ago. Toney can not compare too Mane with playing style and skills they have but Mahrez can provide similar things from dribbling, speed, assists like Salah but of course he can not score many goals like Salah. These three attacking players make a lower level of Mane, Salah, Firmino combination years ago in Liverpool and Premier League. Anyway in Saudi Professional League, they will be good enough and be able to help Al-Ahli beating many clubs there.
Al Hilal has been in excellent form this season as well as previous seasons. The team won two matches. The overall gameplay of this team is strong. On the other hand, one of the title rivals Al Nassr dropped points against AL Raed in their first match.
They are ready to play better than the past season and can challenge Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ittihad more seriously in this season. This only makes Saudi Professional League more exciting and deserves more time to watch.