Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Saudi Pro League match.
This head-to-head clash between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr outshines Friday’s European football programme. In Jeddah, the leading contenders for the Saudi Pro League title will contest valuable points, with both sides aiming to move clear at the top of the standings.
Al-Ittihad
After a 1:2 defeat to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Super Cup, Al-Ittihad ignited their league campaign. The team put away Al-Okhdood (5:2) and Al-Fateh (4:2). An AFC Champions League trip to Al-Wahda (1:2) was undermined by an early red card, although Al-Ittihad had led through a Steven Bergwijn strike. In the league, the team have taken the maximum nine points, scoring 10 goals.
Al-Nassr
Al-Nassr have also taken maximum points in the Saudi Pro League, and they sit higher in the standings thanks to a 12:1 goal difference. The squad have not faced serious resistance at the start of the season, so it is worth recalling another title that slipped away. Al-Nassr lost the Saudi Super Cup final to Al-Ahli (2:3 after a penalty shoot-out). The team conceded from two shots on target and allowed 1.08 xGA.
Al-Ittihad vs Al-Nassr Prediction
Last season, when Al-Ittihad won the Saudi Pro League, they beat Al-Nassr twice (2:1 and 3:2). At home, the hosts should avoid defeat, and we recommend betting on them to win or draw.
