Five Points Separate Al Riyadh and Al Ittihad on the League Table
As the excitement of football in the Roshn Saudi League intensifies, Al Riyadh is set to host the highly formidable Al Ittihad on Matchday 8. The anticipation leading up to this match is palpable, as both teams have shown impressive forms this season. Al Ittihad, hailing from Jeddah, arrives after a commanding 3-1 victory over Al-Qadisiyah, which highlights their recent prowess on the pitch. Despite a nearly flawless start this season, the team finds itself in second place in the league, trailing the reigning champions Al Hilal by a mere five points.
A triumphant match against Al Riyadh could catapult Al Ittihad to level points with the defending champions, amplifying the stakes of this fixture. Under the shrewd management of Laurent Blanc, Al Ittihad appears to have found its stride and potential. This season shapes up to be an exhilarating contest for the title in the Saudi Pro League.
On the flip side, Al Riyadh has also made an impressive start, currently sitting in fourth place with a record of four wins, one draw, and two losses from seven matches. The team is just four points shy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. After experiencing a setback against Al Feiha on Matchday 5, Al Riyadh rallied with back-to-back victories against Al-Qadisiyah and Al-Okhdood, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Al Riyadh, once considered an underdog, has proven to be a challenging adversary, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying contest when they face Al Ittihad.
Kickoff Details
Scheduled for: Thursday, 24 October at 11:30 PM IST
Venue: Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium
Recent Form
- Al Riyadh (in all competitions): W-W-L-W-W
- Al Ittihad (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-L
Key Players to Watch
Tozé (Al Riyadh)
Tozé, a seasoned Portuguese midfielder at 31, has stepped up as a crucial player for Al Riyadh. His playmaking abilities are astonishing, averaging nearly two key passes per game this season. Beyond his attacking contributions, Tozé’s defensive skill set is equally noteworthy, boasting a commendable tackling success rate that allows him to recover the ball effectively from opponents.
Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad)
Meanwhile, Karim Benzema is reveling in an outstanding season, having netted eight goals in just seven matches. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner is demonstrating why he was a prized acquisition for Al Ittihad. Beyond being a prolific scorer, Benzema’s ability to integrate seamlessly with his teammates further solidifies his reputation as one of the finest in the league.
Match Facts
- The previous encounter saw Al Ittihad triumph 2-0 over Al Riyadh.
- Al Riyadh last secured a 1-0 win against Al Okhdood.
- Al Ittihad comes off a 3-1 victory against Al-Qadisiyah.
Al Riyadh vs Al Ittihad: Betting Tips & Odds
- Tip 1: Result – Al Ittihad to win – 1.43 by Dafabet
- Tip 2: Both teams to score – Yes – 1.72 by 1XBET
- Tip 3: Expected Goals – Over 2 – 1.25 by Stake
Injury and Team News
Al Riyadh will be without Enzo Roco, while Al Ittihad is facing challenges with injuries to Ahmed Sharahili, Ahmed Bamasud, and Luiz Felipe.
Head to Head
- Total matches: 4
- Al Riyadh Wins: 0
- Al Ittihad Wins: 4
- Draws: 0
Predicted Lineups
Al Riyadh (5-3-2)
Borjan (GK); Alnwaiqi, Sahafi, Asiri, Barbet, Khaibari; Tozé, Kal, Mensah; Al-Shehri, Al Aqal
Al Ittihad (4-2-3-1)
Rajković (GK); Kadesh, Mousa, Alamri, Shanqeeti; Kanté, Fabinho; Bergwijn, Aouar, Diaby; Benzema
Match Prediction
This clash is set to be a highlight of the Saudi Pro League, as two of the top teams vie for crucial points. With so much at stake, we see a thrilling contest unfolding. Our prediction for the match is:
Al Riyadh 1 – 2 Al Ittihad
Where to Watch Al Riyadh vs Al Ittihad
India: Sony LIV, Sony Sports Network
UK: DAZN UK
USA: fubo TV, FOX Deportes
Nigeria: Star Times App, Sporty TV
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