Al Ittihad vs Al Riyadh Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips

Al Ittihad vs Al Riyadh Match Preview 

• Tournament – Saudi Pro League

• Date – Sunday, 18 February 2024

• Kick-off Time – 05:30 PM (GMT)

• Venue – Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium

Al Ittihad and Al Riyadh face-off this Sunday in the Saudi Pro League as both sides look to build on their last win.

With 31 points from 19 games, Al Ittihad are in fifth position on the league table, a staggering 22 points behind leaders Al Hilal. Evidently, it’s been a disappointing campaign for the Jeddah outfit, who made a few marquee acquisitions such as Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Fabinho and Luiz Felipe over the summer.

The People’s Club, though, returned from the winter break with a convincing 3-0 victory over Al-Tai last Wednesday, ending their three-game losing run in the league.

Al Riyadh are down in 15th position with 19 points from as many games, hovering just above the relegation zone. The side has won only five times all season, with their fifth and the last one coming in their most recent outing. A 51st-minute goal from Andre Gray earned them a 1-0 win over Damac on 28 December 2023, and Riyadh will be looking to build on that upon their return from the break.

Also Read: Al Hilal vs Al Raed Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips

Team News

Al Ittihad

Marcelo Gallardo’s side have plenty of injury concerns in the defence. Ahmed Sharahili sustained cruciate ligament damage in September and has been out ever since. Ahmed Bamasud is recovering from the same issue. Luiz Felipe has a muscle tear whereas Muhannad Shanqeeti and Omar Hawsawi are sidelined too.

Forward Karim Benzema missed their clash last week and remains doubtful for this one too owing to a lack of match fitness. 

Al Riyadh

The capital side have nobody injured right now and enter the tie on the back of a fine fettle. Left-back Abdulelah Al-Khaibari is one card away from receiving a one-match suspension.

Predicted Lineups

Al Ittihad

• Goalkeeper: Marcelo Grohe
• Defenders: Fawaz Al Yami, Ahmed Hegazi, Hassan Kadesh, Madallah Al-Olayan
• Midfielders: N’Golo Kante, Sultan Al-Farhan, Faisal Al-Ghamdi
• Forwards: Romarinho, Abderazzak Hamdallah, Marwan Al-Sahafi

Al Riyadh

• Goalkeeper: Martin Campana
• Defenders: Hussain Al-Nowaiqi, Ahmed Assiri, Mohammed Al-Shwirekh, Abdulelah Al-Khaibari
• Midfielders: Birama Toure, Didier Ndong; Yahya Al-Shehri, Knowledge Musona, Saleh Al-Abbas
• Forwards: Andre Gray

Head-To-Head

There have been 18 clashes between the sides before, with Al Ittihad winning 16 times over Al Riyadh and losing just once. That defeat came way back in November 2001, when the capital side secured a 2-1 home win over their rivals from Jeddah in the Saudi Pro League. Since then, Al Ittihad have beaten them in 13 consecutive games.

Last five results:

• Al Riyadh 0-4 Al Ittihad (Saudi Pro League, August 2023)
• Al Ittihad 4-0 Al Riyadh (King’s Cup, November 2019)
• Al Ittihad 4-0 Al Riyadh (King’s Cup, January 2016)
• Al Ittihad 4-0 Al Riyadh (King’s Cup, March 2015)
• Al Riyadh 0-1 Al Ittihad (Saudi Crown Prince’s Cup, December 2005)

Prediction

Both teams have struggled in recent times, and will be cautious against dropping points at the start of the second half of their campaign. Al Ittihad have seen a better side overall and enter the tie as favourites, but Al Riyadh will certainly give them a tough run.

Predicted Score: Al Ittihad 3-1 Al Riyadh

Odds (Subject to change)

• Al Ittihad win – 1.21
• Draw  – 6.77
• Al Riyadh win – 10.07
• Odds source – Oddspedia.com

Betting Tips

• Al Ittihad to win
• Both teams to score
• Goals over 2.5

Where To Watch

• India – Sony Ten 2/Sony LIV
• UK – DAZN
• US – Fox Sports
• Saudi Arabia – Shahid TV