The Saudi Pro League resumes this weekend with a crucial match between Al Ittihad and Al-Ahli. The Tigers will seek a win in this tie to ensure they overtake the Emperors at the top of the league table. With stars like Fabinho, Kante, Mahrez, and Firminho, football fans worldwide eagerly await the game’s outcome.
Al-Ittihad holds the second spot in the Saudi Pro League, suffering only one defeat this season to the leading Al-Hilal. With nineteen points from eight matches, the Tigers enter the next game in prime form.
After spending last season in the Saudi Second Division League, Al-Ahli returned with a bang to the Saudi Professional League. The Emperors began the season on a high with four straight victories. However, their recent performance has dipped, clinching just one win in their last four SPL matches.
| ℹ️ Tournament: | Saudi Professional League season 2023-24, Matchday 9 |
| 🏟️ Venue: | King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia |
| 🗓️ Date: | 6 October 2023 |
| ⏰ Time: | 19:00 GMT on Friday |
The latest online football odds for Al-Ittihad expect them to win at 1.66 (4/6). Al-Ahli, their city rivals, have 4.20 (16/5) odds to claim victory. A draw is available for 3.80 (14/5).
The Tigers began their season mirroring the outstanding form that previously clinched them the league title. They celebrated victories in their first four league matches without conceding. However, this streak was halted by Al-Hilal. Undeterred, Al-Ittihad bounced back with two back-to-back wins and then secured a draw against Al-Fahya in the most recent game.
Al-Ahli returned to the Saudi Professional League by winning the title in division two. Since their return this season, they’ve won five of their eight league matches, putting them in the 6th position, two points away from the top-4.
Al-Ittihad has claimed the bragging rights in the last five contests against The Emperors by winning three and drawing once. Both teams have bolstered their side, with Al-Ittihad securing the services of European football stars like Fabinho, Kante, and current Ballon d’Or owner Benzema. Al-Ahli also added Mahrez, Firminho, Kessie, and Saint-Maximin to their ranks. Boasting an abundance of talent on both sides, this derby promises to stand out from past encounters between the two teams.
Let us now discuss the main focus of this guide: predictions for the Al-Ittihad vs Al-Ahli match.
3 (100%)
0
According to betting sites in Saudi Arabia, Al-Ittihad is the favorite to win this derby, with the team losing just once this season. The Tigers have won two consecutive head-to-head matches against their rival. The last time Al-Ahli got a victory against them was three years ago. Success in the derby will ensure Al-Ittihad keeps up with league leaders Al-Hilal. Based on our Saudi Pro League predictions, the Tigers are a strong contender for the title.
1 (33%)
(67%) 2
Although the last showdown between these teams resulted in a goalless draw, indicators point towards a potentially high-scoring derby ahead. Al-Ahli’s four out of their previous five games witnessed a minimum of five goals. Recalling their 2022 face-off, a captivating 4-3 victory for Al-Ittihad, one can’t help but anticipate fireworks. Given the added offensive prowess acquired by both clubs over the summer, a match with over four goals seems more plausible.
2 (100%)
0
Roberto Firminho spearheads Al-Ahli’s attack, netting three goals for the season. His vast experience playing on Europe’s grandest stages positions him as a likely scorer in the upcoming derby. Teaming up with Saint-Maximin and Riyad Mahrez amplifies his goal-scoring prospects, especially considering Mahrez’s impressive tally of four assists this season.
Al-Ittihad will be without Ahmed Hegazy and Abdullah Al-Jadani. Both players are sidelined with cruciate ligament injuries. Karim Benzema’s participation hinges on a last-minute fitness assessment.
On the other hand, Al-Ahli welcomes back Merih Demiral after serving his three-match suspension, but they’ll be missing Abdulbasit Hindi, who is out on suspension for the derby.
With the recent victorious record of Al-Ittihad in the derby and their title hope, they should win this contest in front of their fans with a high scoreline. You can use our Al-Ittihad vs Al-Ahli Saudi League betting predictions to stake on your favorite bookmakers.
