Al-ahli Saudi - Al Ittihad: Mahrez and Aouar headline Jeddah derby

The Jeddah showdown between al-ahli saudi - al ittihad is billed for March 6, 2026, with kickoff set for 7: 00 p. m. GMT as part of Matchday 25 — a fixture that could lift Al Ahli above the leaders if they take all three points while Al Ittihad aim to build on a recent four-match unbeaten run.

Al-ahli Saudi - Al Ittihad: Mahrez vs Aouar

Riyad Mahrez and Houssem Aouar form the most visible subplot. Mahrez has three goals and seven assists in the league this season, while Aouar has three goals and one assist, making the pair a game within the game when the two Algerian internationals meet in the Sea Derby.

Defence and midfield matchups to watch

Defence shapes the outlook: Al Ahli have conceded 15 goals in 24 matches, the best record among the top teams, while Al Ittihad have leaked 28 goals so far. Danilo Pereira’s presence has been credited with tightening Al Ittihad’s shape, and the visitors have conceded twice or more only once in their past six games. Merih Demiral is expected to sit out, which could hand a bigger role to Roger Ibanez; in midfield the battle between Fabinho and Franck Kessie, plus Valentin Atangana and Mahamadou Doumbia, will be central to control in the middle of the park.

Stakes, form and a low-scoring tilt

Al Ahli arrive as Asian champions and sit second in the table, two points behind Al-Nassr, while Al Ittihad occupy fifth place but have renewed hope after their unbeaten run. The preview for this encounter leans toward a tight affair — a tip included with the matchup favors under 2. 5 goals — and observers note the broader matchday remains subject to change amid the ongoing war across gulf states. The matchup between al-ahli saudi - al ittihad will therefore carry both local bragging rights and immediate league consequences.

The Sea Derby is scheduled to kick off March 6, 2026, at 7: 00 p. m. GMT for Matchday 25; the teams meet with title implications for Al Ahli and revival hopes for Al Ittihad.