Al Ittihad vs Al Khaleej: Match Prediction, Team Updates, and Lineups
Al Ittihad is set to face Al Khaleej at Alinma Stadium on Friday evening in the 24th round of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. This matchup promises excitement, as both teams have critical stakes in the outcome.
Match Preview: Al Ittihad vs Al Khaleej
Al Ittihad aims to recover from two consecutive draws. Their most recent matches included a 1-1 stalemate with rivals Al Hilal and another 1-1 result against Al Hazem. Currently, Al Ittihad holds the sixth position in the league table, having accumulated 39 points from 23 matches. They trail league leaders Al Ahli by 17 points.
The team has been affected by the departures of key players, including Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté. Both have transitioned to new clubs, impacting Al Ittihad’s performance. They will also be preparing for a pivotal round of 16 match in the AFC Champions League against Al Wahda.
Recent Form
- Unbeaten in five matches across all competitions.
- Frustrating league form with only two wins in their last eight matches.
Al Khaleej’s Performance
Al Khaleej has experienced a challenging season, concluding the previous year with a series of four losses. The team started 2026 positively, securing three wins and one draw in their first four fixtures but has since struggled to maintain that momentum. They currently sit ninth in the standings, just two points ahead of relegation-threatened Al Hazem.
Defensively, Al Khaleej has given up 37 goals this season. Despite having the fifth-best attack by scoring 42 goals, their defensive issues have significantly affected their season performance.
Key Statistics
- Al Khaleej is on an eight-match winless streak.
- They have not won any of their last 17 encounters against Al Ittihad.
- Ranked fifth in league scoring with 42 goals.
Team News
For Al Ittihad, Saad Al Mousa remains sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained in November. Other players like Abdulrahman Al-Oboud and Saleh Al-Shehri are also unavailable. In positive news, Hassan Kadesh returns from suspension, and key player Joshua King, who has netted 14 goals this season, is doubtful for the match. Kostas Fortounis, the league leader in assists, is expected to play a vital role.
Potential Lineups
| Al Ittihad | Al Khaleej |
|---|---|
| Rajkovic | Moris |
| Mitaj | Al Hamsal |
| Sharahili | Asiri |
| Fabinho | Al Khabrani |
| Fernandes | Rebocho |
| Al Nashiri | Al Eisa |
| Doumbia | Kanabah |
| Diaby | Kourbelis |
| Aouar | Bergwijn |
| Fortounis | En Nesyri |
| Masouras |
Match Prediction
Despite the recent challenges, Al Ittihad boasts a strong home record, winning nine out of their last ten matches at home. They are favored to secure a narrow victory against Al Khaleej. The visitors will need to focus on solid defensive strategies to have any hope of breaking their winless streak against the prominent Jeddah club.
