Al Ittihad vs Al Hazem: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups

Al Ittihad host Al Hazem at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Friday. The match is part of matchday 27 in the Saudi Pro League. The hosts have 42 points from 26 games, while Al Hazem have 31 from 26.

Recent form and context

Al Ittihad won the 2024-25 title with 83 points and an eight-point margin. Their defence of the crown has been inconsistent despite three early league wins. The club exited the Super Cup at the semi-final stage and left the AFC Champions League in the first round.

A loss to Al Nassr on matchday four led to Laurent Blanc’s departure. Sergio Conceicao has since taken charge, recording 16 wins, six draws and nine defeats in 31 matches. The team suffered consecutive league defeats and were knocked out of the King’s Cup by Al Kholood.

Al Hazem’s season so far

Al Hazem returned to the top flight after winning the First Division promotion playoffs. They sit 10th with 31 points and are 12 points clear of relegation. Manager Jalel Kadri has overseen eight wins, seven draws and 11 losses in 26 league games.

The visitors seek to improve their position before the season ends. They have not beaten Al Ittihad since a 2-1 victory in October 2019. Since that win they have recorded three draws and three defeats in six meetings.

Form guide

• Al Ittihad league form: W D D W L L. All competitions: D D W L L D.
• Al Hazem league form: W L D W L W.

Team News and Lineups

Karim Benzema moved to Al Hilal, leaving Steven Bergwijn as Al Ittihad’s top league scorer. Bergwijn has five league goals and scored in the club’s last King’s Cup game. He is expected to lead an attack that includes Moussa Diaby, Houssem Aouar and Youssef En-Nesyri.

Captain Fabinho could partner Faisal Al-Ghamdi in midfield. Al Hazem beat Al Kholood 2-1 last time and may field a similar XI. Omar Al Somah is likely to spearhead their attack with Fabio Martins supporting.

• Al Ittihad possible starting lineup:
  • Rajkovic
  • Shanqeeti
  • Pereira
  • Kadesh
  • Mitaj
  • Fabinho
  • Faisal Al-Ghamdi
  • Houssem Aouar
  • Steven Bergwijn
  • Moussa Diaby
  • Youssef En-Nesyri
• Al Hazem possible starting lineup:
  • Zaied
  • Rashed
  • Al-Dakheel
  • Boutouil
  • Al-Shamrani
  • Loreintz
  • Bah
  • Mokwana
  • Fabio Martins
  • Al-Habashi
  • Omar Al Somah

Prediction

Filmogaz.com forecasts a narrow home victory. Final score prediction: Al Ittihad 2-1 Al Hazem.

For Al Ittihad vs Al Hazem: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups, consult the sections above. The match promises to be competitive and finely balanced.