Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Saudi Pro League match.
Following an unexpected 0:2 defeat to Al-Fateh, league leaders Al-Ittihad are now under pressure from Al-Hilal, who have narrowed the gap to just four points. Al-Ettifaq currently sit in seventh place and are no longer in contention for a top-three finish.
Al-Ittihad
The hosts suffered a loss to one of the league's lower-ranked sides last time out, but their home form remains outstanding — 13 wins and 1 draw from 14 matches, the best home record in the league. Al-Ittihad continue to impress in attack, having scored 63 goals — the second-highest tally in the league behind Al-Hilal. Notably, Al-Ittihad have netted at least twice in 12 of their 14 home games this season. In the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign, the team cruised to a 4:0 win over Al-Ettifaq.
Al-Ettifaq
The visitors have struggled to make an impression. Over their last four league games, they have managed just one win — against Al-Riyadh, one of the lowest-scoring sides in the league. Al-Ettifaq have looked blunt in attack, scoring no more than once in six of their previous seven fixtures. Defensively, they have also been leaky, conceding 38 goals — the worst record among the league’s top nine. Goalkeeper Marek Rodak has registered only 7 clean sheets in 28 rounds.
Al-Ittihad vs Al-Ettifaq Prediction
Al-Ittihad boast exceptional home statistics and are consistently finding the net. The intensity of the title race is likely to fuel the hosts, while the visitors’ lack of motivation works further in favour of Al-Ittihad. They are expected to win and score at least twice.
