Fresh off their successful qualification for the round of 16 in the King’s Cup, Al Fayha and Al Ittihad are set to clash at the King Fahd International Stadium in round eight of the Saudi Professional League on Friday.
Match Preview
Al Fayha will be determined to turn their fortunes around against Al Ittihad, as they have suffered defeat in each of their four meetings this year.
Their aim is to secure three consecutive wins for the first time since December.
In their recent King’s Cup fixture, Al Fayha displayed a resilient team performance, coming from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Al Riyadh.
Striker Malek Al Abdulmonam was instrumental, scoring a first-half brace to overturn Al Riyadh’s early lead.
Prior to this, Vuk Rasovic’s team comfortably defeated Al Riyadh 3-1 in the Professional League on September 22, putting an end to a six-match winless streak across all competitions.
Despite two away victories, Al Fayha has struggled at home this season, with only one win, one loss, and two draws in their four matches so far.
Currently placed ninth in the Professional League table with nine points from seven matches, Al Fayha has the opportunity to level with seventh-placed Al Wehda if they secure three points this weekend.
On the other hand, Al Ittihad narrowly progressed to the round of 16 in the King’s Cup, relying on penalties to defeat a determined Al Kholood side.
After conceding an early own goal, Mariano Vazquez equalized for Al Ittihad, leading the game to a penalty shootout, which they won 7-6.
Al Ittihad’s recent form has been impressive, winning eight of their last nine matches across all competitions.
They also secured a 3-0 victory over AGMK in the AFC Champions League opener on September 18.
This exceptional run of results has propelled them to the top of the Professional League standings, one point ahead of second-placed Al-Hilal.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team will look to extend their winning streak against Al Fayha, having emerged victorious in their last four encounters, including a 2-0 win in the Saudi Super Cup final earlier this year.
Al Fayha Saudi Pro League form:
- D
- D
- L
- D
- L
- W
Al Fayha form (all competitions):
- L
- D
- L
- L
- W
- W
Al Ittihad Saudi Pro League form:
- W
- W
- W
- L
- W
- W
Al Ittihad form (all competitions):
- W
- L
- W
- W
- W
- W
Team News:
Al Fayha’s leading scorer this season, Fashion Sakala, is expected to spearhead the attack alongside veteran forward Mohammed Majrashi.
Additionally, Al Abdulmonam could earn a league start following his outstanding cup performance.
However, 24-year-old Nawwaf Al Harthi is a doubt for Al Fayha due to an injury sustained in their recent match against Al Riyadh.
Al Ittihad will be without Egyptian defender Ahmed Hegazy, who has been sidelined with a cruciate ligament rupture since May.
Goalkeeper Abdullah Al-Jadani continues his recovery from an ACL injury.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Al Fayha:
Stojkovic;
Al Baqawi, Khaibari, Al Rashidi, Konan;
Ryller, Cimirot;
Sabiri, Majrashi, Onyekuru;
Sakala
Al Ittihad:
Al-Mayouf;
Shanqeeti, Felipe, Kadesh, Al-Olaitan, Bamasud;
Kante, Fabinho; Romarinho;
Al-Amri, Camara
Prediction:
Despite Al Fayha’s recent success, they face a formidable challenge against a dominant Al Ittihad side.
Al Ittihad has won their last four encounters with Al Fayha and boasts an impressive record of eight consecutive away victories across all competitions.
We predict a 2-0 victory for Al Ittihad.
