Al Tai and Al Ittihad both aim to break a three-match losing streak in the Saudi Pro League as they clash at Prince Abdul Aziz bin Musa’ed Stadium.
Al Tai, currently 14th in the standings, faces relegation concerns, while Al Ittihad, the reigning champions, look to revive their form after slipping down to sixth place.
Match Preview
Al Tai from Ha’il started the month positively but has since faced a downturn with three consecutive losses. The team’s inconsistency has been evident, with a lack of successive domestic wins and a struggle to maintain a strong away record.
Despite their struggles, Al Tai’s home form remains a saving grace, with four wins at Prince Abdul Aziz Musa’ed Stadium.
Laurentiu Reghecampf’s side, hovering near the relegation zone, is only three points away from climbing into a safer league position.
Meanwhile, Al Ittihad, struggling in recent fixtures, has experienced a string of losses in both domestic and all competitions.
Their chances of retaining the league title are dwindling, sitting 22 points behind the league leaders, Al-Hilal.
Marcelo Gallardo’s team has faced difficulties in the second half, scoring minimally and conceding significantly.
Their defensive vulnerabilities have been a concern, conceding twice as many goals as in their title-winning campaign.
Team News
Al Tai will miss Bernard Mensah due to suspensions, and Abdulkarim Al-Sultan could be sidelined with a suspected cruciate ligament injury.
Al Ittihad faces absentees such as Fabinho, Ahmed Bamsaud, Omar Hawsawi, Luiz Felipe, Ahmed Hegazi, and Suwailem Al-Manhali due to injuries and suspensions.
Predicted Lineups
Al Tai: (4-4-2)
Braga;
Mohammed, Al-Nakhli, Roco, Majrashi;
Cordea, Semedo, Bauer, Al-Moasher;
Dugandzic, Al-Shamlan
Al Ittihad: (3-2-4-1)
Al-Mayouf;
Al-Sahafi, Sharahili, Z. Hawsawi;
Kante, Al-Ghamdi;
Romarinho, Hamdallah, Al-Farhan, Coronado;
Benzema
Prediction: Al Tai 1-3 Al Ittihad
Despite both teams’ recent poor form, Al Ittihad possesses the quality to turn things around swiftly. With their stronger squad, Al Ittihad is likely to secure a 3-1 victory against an Al Tai side that seems to struggle with every game.