Al Ittihad will welcome Al Ahli to the King Abdullah Sports City stadium for a one-on-one clash in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday, with kickoff slated for 19:00 GMT+1.
Key Highlights
Al Ittihad
Al Ittihad have been in excellent form so far this season, winning seven times and losing once in eight outings. They currently sit second n the Saudi Pro League table, three points behind leaders Al Hilal, who have a 100% record in the opening eight rounds of fixtures.
Notably, Al Ittihad have a 100% record when playing at home this season; they have won all four matches they have played at home, while away from home has seen them win three times and lose once.
Their impressive form extends to their goalscoring, which is only second to Al Hilal’s, having scored 21 times, while conceding just eight times in their eight matches so far this season in the Saudi Pro League.
Karim Benzema will hope to lead Al Ittihad to victory as they look to make it five consecutive wins in the Saudi Pro League
Al Ahli
Al Ahli’s opening to the 2024/25 season has been averagely good; they have managed three wins, two draws, and three losses in their opening eight rounds of fixtures, which means that they currently sit 7th on the table, off the pace at the top end of the log.
With two wins and one defeat, Al Ahli’s home form has been good; however, their away form ahead of the trip to Al Ittihad will be a cause for concern; they have one win, one draw, and two defeats away from home.
Al Ahli’s attack has been profligate, seeing them score 12 times, which is roughly within their overall xG For of around 1.80 in the opening eight matches. Matthias Jaissle will look to improve his side’s clinical edge in the final third ahead of facing one of the most devastating attacking sides in the Saudi Pro League in Al Ittihad.
Jaissle’s side has had two wins from their last five matches, including two defeats and a draw, indicating poor form. They will look to return to winning ways on Thursday against an Al Ittihad side that is in red-hot form.
Injury Report
Ahead of their home clash against Al Ahli in the Sea Derby, Al Ittihad will be without center-backs Luiz Felipe (thigh problems) and Ahmed Sharahili (cruciate ligament tear), while left-back Ahmed Bamasud (cruciate ligament) is also sidelined for Thursday’s clash. However, the bulk of the Al Ittihad side is available for selection, which means Laurent Blanc will head into the clash against Al Ahli in good shape.
Al Ahli will be without Abdullah Otayf, with the defensive midfielder without a cruciate ligament tear, while midfielder Mohammed Al-Majhad is sidelined with a knee injury. However, these players do not form a core part of the Al Ahli starting 11, which shows that their absence will not impact the performance on Thursday.
Team News
With Karim Benzema rested in Al Ittihad’s 2-0 win over Al Jandal in the King Cup of Champions on Monday, the Frenchman will return to the starting 11 as they look to bolster their attack in the hunt for three points.
Al Ahli will unleash their attack consisting of Mahrez. Firmino, Veiga, and Veiga as they look to pin Al Ittihad back and make the best of the chances they will create.
Prediction
Al Ittihad are favored to win this match and make it five consecutive wins in the Saudi Pro League as they put pressure on Al Hilal at the top of the table.
