Al-Ittihad vs Al-Ettifaq Preview: Predictions, Team Updates, and Lineups
Al-Ittihad and Al-Ettifaq are set to face off in a crucial matchday 15 Saudi Pro League clash at King Abdullah Sports City. This matchup will take place on Friday. Currently, Al-Ittihad holds the sixth position in the league standings with 27 points from 14 matches. In contrast, Al-Ettifaq sits just one place lower, having accumulated 22 points in the same number of games.
Match Preview
Al-Ittihad, the reigning champions of the Saudi Pro League, aim to defend their title after claiming victory in the 2024-25 season. However, the team is currently 11 points behind the league leaders, Al-Hilal. Following a challenging start to the season, Al-Ittihad has managed to turn things around, remaining unbeaten in their last seven fixtures across all competitions. In this period, they have secured six wins and drawn one.
Playing at home has been advantageous for Al-Ittihad, as they have won five straight matches at King Abdullah Sports City. During these games, they have successfully kept three clean sheets and scored four goals, boosting their confidence ahead of this match.
Al-Ettifaq’s Current Form
Al-Ettifaq comes into this match unbeaten in their last three league games on the road, which includes two victories and one draw. While the two wins were against teams struggling near the bottom of the table, Al-Ettifaq will aim for a strong performance to narrow the gap to the league’s top three. They currently trail Al-Taawoun by five points, who occupy the final AFC Champions League qualifying spot.
In their previous visit to King Abdullah Sports City, Al-Ettifaq suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat. This time, they are determined to avoid a repeat scenario against Al-Ittihad.
Team News
For Al-Ittihad, the starting lineup is expected to remain mostly unchanged. Key goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic will likely stay in goal, supported by defenders Hamed Al Shanqiti, Danilo Pereira, Ahmed Sharahili, and Hassan Kadesh. Notably, their squad will miss Saad Al-Mousa due to a broken ankle and Houssem Aouar, who is sidelined by a muscle injury. Additionally, Fabinho will be suspended, allowing Awad Al-Nashri to take his place.
On the other hand, Al-Ettifaq’s Ahmed Hassan will be unavailable due to injury, but they welcome back Georginio Wijnaldum and Moussa Dembele. Wijnaldum has been in excellent form, contributing nine goals and three assists in 14 matches this season.
Predicted Lineups
| Al-Ittihad | Al-Ettifaq |
|---|---|
| Rajkovic | Rodak |
| Al Shanqiti | Calvo |
| Pereira | Hindi |
| Sharahili | Hendry |
| Kadesh | Khateeb |
| Kante | Medran |
| Al-Nashri | Ali |
| Diaby | Duda |
| Bergwijn | Nkota |
| Roger | Wijnaldum |
| Benzema | Dembele |
Match Prediction
As Al-Ittihad looks to extend their unbeaten streak to eight matches, the team’s formidable home form and attacking capabilities make them the favorites for this match. A close contest is expected, with predictions leaning toward a 2-1 victory for Al-Ittihad over Al-Ettifaq.
