Al Ittihad and Al Wehda prepare for a one-on-one mouth-watering clash on Sunday at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Jeddah, as the two sides reprise the longest-standing rivalry in the Saudi Pro League, with kickoff slated for 19:00 GMT+1.
Key Highlights
Al Ittihad
Al Ittihad have had a brilliant start to their Saudi Pro League campaign, winning back-to-back matches against Al Kholood and Al Taawoun to pick up the maximum six points.
However, beneath the winning start, Al Ittihad have had scares and lived dangerously in these two matches leaving a lot to be desired ahead of their clash against Al Wehda.
In both wins, Laurent Blanc’s men were forced to grab late, late goals to get the maximum three points, with summer signing Houssem Aouar popping up with winners in both matches.
Al Ittihad, who won the 2022/23 Saudi Pro League title, will look to maintain a brilliant start to the season by getting all three points on Sunday and keeping in touch with the early pacesetters at the top of the league table.
Karim Benzema in action for Al Ittihad against Al Wehda as the two sides prepare for an anticipated clash on Sunday.
Al Wehda
Al Wehda have designs on a good season as they bid to push into the qualification spots for the Asian Champions League tournament. They have started the season as they mean to go, with a win and a draw, scoring five times and conceding once in the process.
Al Wehda have outscored Al Ittihad in the opening matches, with five goals to their opponents’ three. However, crucially, Al Wehda have conceded four times in two matches, highlighting their underlying challenges ahead of facing the Al Ittihad attack.
While Al Ittihad under Laurent Blanc have not shown free-flowing football, they have demonstrated their clinical edge in the final third. Therefore, Al Wehda must address their defensive solidity ahead of their trip to Jeddah on Sunday.
However, their free-scoring attack will give them encouragement to get something against Al Ittihad.
Injury Report
Neither side has reported fresh injury worries ahead of their clash on Sunday.
Team News
Houssem Aouar, who has started the season in fine form, will be the first name on the team sheet for Laurent Blanc. Benzema, Diaby, and Al-Ghamdi are all available for selection after the international break.
Odion Ighalo, who was on the scoresheet in their win against Al Orobah, is likely to start at the top of the Al Wehda attack, supported by the triumvirate of Goodwin, Amyn, and Al Azizi.
The two attacks will be pivotal in deciding this match.
Prediction
Al Ittihad have had a strong start to the season, demonstrating character and quality. They are favored to win the match and extend their winning run to three consecutive matches in the Saudi Pro League.
