Fresh off their first AFC Champions League defeat this season, Al Ittihad will be hosting Abha in round 13 of the Saudi Professional League on Friday.
Match Preview
This match comes after Al Ittihad’s recent struggles against Abha, having lost in each of their last five meetings. The Leaders of the South will be looking to secure a victory and move into the top half of the table.
In their last game, Al Ittihad suffered a 2-0 defeat against Iraq-based team Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in the AFC Champions League clash.
This loss marked their second consecutive defeat, resulting in the dismissal of head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
Despite leading Al Ittihad to the Professional League title last season, Espirito Santo faced challenges, including a strained relationship with star signing Karim Benzema.
Al Ittihad’s recent form has been underwhelming, with only two wins and three defeats in their last eight matches across all competitions.
Their struggles in attack have contributed to their drop-off in form, scoring only three goals and failing to find the net in three league outings since their victory over Al-Fateh in September.
Despite their recent setbacks, Al Ittihad currently sits sixth in the Professional League table, while also leading Group C in the Champions League.
They have accumulated nine points from four Champions League games, two points ahead of second-placed Sepahan.
On the other hand, Abha has been performing well in the league, with three consecutive wins in their last three matches.
They recently secured a 3-2 victory over Al Okhdood, coming from behind to claim the win. Abha’s surge has propelled them to 12th place in the Professional League table, five points above the relegation zone.
In their previous encounters, Al Ittihad has dominated Abha, winning their last five meetings with a goal difference of 18-3. Abha will need to show their mettle and put up a fight against Al Ittihad to secure a positive result.
Team News:
Following Espirito Santo’s departure, assistant coach Hassan Khalifa will take charge of Al Ittihad.
The team will be without defender Ahmed Hegazy due to a cruciate ligament rupture, while goalkeeper Abdullah Al-Jadani remains sidelined with an ACL injury.
Ahmed Bamasud is doubtful after sustaining an injury in the Champions League game.
Abha will rely on Karl Toko Ekambi, who has been in good form with six goal involvements in 10 matches since his summer transfer.
Ahmed Abdu and Fahad Bin Jumayah will provide support in the attack, while Zakaria Al-Sudani and Grzegorz Krychowiak will play key roles in midfield.
Possible Lineups:
Al Ittihad:
- Al-Mayouf;
- Al-Hawsawi, Kadesh, Hawsawi, Al-Olayan;
- Al-Ghamdi, Kante, Romarinho;
- Jota, Benzema, Camara
Abha:
- Tätärusanu;
- Al-Hbeab;
- Natiq, Noguera, Oufi;
- Al-Sudani, Krychowiak;
- Bguir;
- Jumayah, Ekambi, Abdu
Prediction:
In this highly anticipated match, we predict a 2-1 victory for Al Ittihad. Despite Abha’s recent form, Al Ittihad’s track record against them and their firepower in attack should give them the edge.