Karim Benzema

Al-Fateh vs Al-Ittihad Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips | SPL

Arnav Kholkar

Al-Fateh vs Al-Ittihad Match Preview

Al-Fateh vs Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League will take place at the Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium on March 16.

The hosts enter this game on the back of a poor run of form. They are winless in their last six games across competitions, recording four draws and two defeats. In that span, they have scored just five goals and conceded seven. Currently in eighth place with 31 points from 23 games, they will look to improve their performances before the season ends. After a 2-1 defeat to Al-Khaleej in their last game, Al-Fateh will look to bounce back with a better performance.

The visitors, on the other hand, are only slightly better off in terms of form. With two wins and three defeats in their last five across competitions, Al-Ittihad now look a shadow of the team that won the SPL last season. In this span, they have scored just five goals and conceded nine goals. They lost to Al Hilal once in the SPL and twice in the AFC Champions League as they crashed out. Currently seven points off the qualifying spots for next year, they will look to end the season strong.

With that said, let’s take a look at the team news coming out of both camps.

Team News

Al-Fateh

Manager Slaven Bilic will have no injury concerns heading into this important game. Saeed Al-Basisi, who received a red card for two bookings against Al Ahli, has served his suspension and will be available for selection once again.

Mohammed Al-Fuhaid faces the risk of suspension, having already picked up four bookings this season.

Al-Ittihad

Manager Marcelo Gallardo has a fairly long list of injuries to deal with heading into this game. Defensive duo Ahmed Sharahili  and Ahmed Bamasud, as well as goalkeeper Abdullah Al-Jadani, will remain sidelined long-term. They have suffered cruciate ligament injuries and could miss the rest of the season.

Midfielder Fabinho is the latest addition to the list. The Brazilian came off in just the 16th minute in the team’s defeat to Al Hilal last time. He will most likely miss the next game too.

Meanwhile, Hassan Kadesh and Faisal Al-Ghamdi face the risk of being suspended, having already picked up four yellow cards this season.

Predicted Lineups

Al-Fateh

Bilic’s team played well despite losing their last game and the manager will retain that lineup.

Predicted XI: Jacob Rinne (GK); Ali Alzubaidi, Amaar Al Dohain, Jason Denayer, Tawfiq Buhumaid; Mohammed Al Saeed, Marwane Saadane (C), Ali Mukhtar, Abdullah Almogren; Lucas Zelarayan, Cristian Tello.

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Al-Ittihad

Gallardo went with a full-strength lineup for the previous game and will likely do the same again.

Predicted XI: Abdullah Al-Mayouf (GK); Fawaz Al-Sagour, Luiz Felipe, Ahmed Hegazy (C), Madallah Al-Olayan; Sultan Farhan, Faisal Al-Ghamdi; Romarinho, Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, Marwan Al Sahafi; Abderrazak Hamdallah.

Al-Fateh vs Al-Ittihad Head-to-Head Record

The teams have come up against each other several times in recent history, producing some eye-catching high-scoring games. However, Al-Ittihad lead the head-to-head comfortably with four wins and one draw in their last five meetings.

Al-Fateh vs Al-Ittihad
N’Golo Kante in action (C). (Getty Images)

Last 5 Games

  • Al-Ittihad 2-1 Al-Fateh (09/23)
  • Al-Fateh 1-5 Al-Ittihad (03/23)
  • Al-Ittihad 3-1 Al-Fateh (10/22)
  • Al-Fateh 4-4 Al-Ittihad (05/22)
  • Al-Fateh 2-3 Al-Ittihad (12/21)

Prediction

The last five Al-Fateh vs Al-Ittihad games have produced a total of 26 goals, with the former scoring nine while the latter have netted a whopping 17. However, considering the dip in form Al-Ittihad have faced recently, it is unlikely they will be so dominant again.

Prediction: Al-Fateh 2-2 Al-Ittihad.

Betting Tips & Odds

Each of the last five meetings between these two have seen both teams score. Each of those games have also seen a minimum of three goals scored, with the highest being eight.

The upcoming fixture will not be a goal-fest but is likely to be an entertaining end-to-end game as both sides look for the win.

Tips

  • Both Teams to Score – Yes: 1.53
  • Total Goals Over 3.5 – Yes: 2.41
  • Double Chance Al-Fateh or Draw – Yes: 1.85

Match Odds

  • Al-Fateh Win: 3.60
  • Draw: 3.80
  • Al-Ittihad Win: 1.89

Al-Fateh vs Al-Ittihad Timings & Telecast

  • Date & Time: Saturday, March 16th at 7:00 PM (GMT).
  • India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV app & website.
  • UK: DAZN.
  • US: fuboTV.
  • Saudi Arabia: Shahid.

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