Al Ittihad vs Al Qadsiah (Saturday, 19 October) Saudi Pro League Match Prediction

Logo Al Ittihad Al Ittihad
October 19, 2024 19:00
Logo Al Qadsiah Al Qadsiah

Al Ittihad will welcome visitors Al Qadsiah to the King Abdullah Sports City on Saturday for a Saudi Pro League match. The hosts look to make it three consecutive wins in their bid to keep pace with leaders Al Hilal. The clash is scheduled for 19:00 GMT+1.

Key Highlights

Al Ittihad

Al Ittihad have had a storming start to their Saudi Pro League season, winning five out of their opening six matches. They have collected 15 points out of a possible 18 and sit second, just three points behind leaders Al Hilal.

Laurent Blanc’s side has showcased impressive form, highlighted by their 17-goal scoring streak, which is just one goal shy of Al Hilal’s tally. Their defensive solidity is also compact, as they have conceded seven goals, one more than Al Hilal at the top of the table.

Last time out, before the international break, Al Ittihad made it back-to-back wins away to Al Akhdood, when they won 1-2. They dominate the ball with 62% of possession, underscoring their ability to control matches.

However, their output, as highlighted by their five shots and three on target, which trailed Al Akhdood’s 12 and 6, respectively, highlighted their weaknesses in attacking fluency.

Laurent Blanc will need to rejig his side in search of attacking potency ahead of their home clash against Al Qadsiah on Saturday.

Karim Benzema will lead the line for Al Ittihad as they look to keep pace with leaders Al Hilal

Karim Benzema will lead the line for Al Ittihad as they look to keep pace with leaders Al Hilal

Al Qadsiah

After a promising start, Al Qadsiah have encountered turbulence in their campaign. However, their performances have shown significant promise. In its opening six rounds of fixtures, they have won three times, drawn once, and lost twice.

Al Qadsiah have the joint meanest defensive record in the Saudi Pro League, having conceded just three times, alongside Al Nassr and Al Shabab.

However, their core challenge has been on the opposite end of their pitch, with their attack scoring just six times in six matches.

While averaging one goal a match paired with clean sheets can be a recipe for wins, it underscores their lack of a dynamic and penetrative attack, which has seen them struggle to break opponents down.

Injury Report

Neither side has reported fresh injury worries ahead of matchday on Saturday.

Team News

Karim Benzema and Houssem Aouar will lead the attack for Al Ittihad on Saturday. The duo has been dynamic and lethal for Laurent Blanc’s side as they look for the three points on offer.

Al Qadsiah will look to sharpen their attack with Aubameyang and Quinones leading the line ahead of a three-man midfield and a five-man defense in a 5-3-2 formation.

Prediction

Al Ittihad are in a good run of form in the Saudi Pro League, they are favored to win and take the three points they need to continue challenging at the top of the table.