Al-Ittihad vs Al-Fateh: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Reigning champions face off against dangerous opponents

Al-Ittihad have had a strong start to the season, winning five and losing one of their opening six matches. Al Fateh, on the other hand, have had a mixed start to the season. Al-Ittihad sit on the second position of the table, just one point behind the league leaders Al Hilal. Al Fateh sit in the middle of the table, just four points behind their opponents.

Surprisingly, Al Fateh have just scored two less goals than Al Ittihad in this season. Both teams have attacking capabilities to score goals but the only thing that separates both these sides is Al Fateh's defense, their defense has conceded more goals than the home team.

Kick-off:

Thursday, 21 September 2023 at 2:00 PM ET (11:30 PM IST)

Location: Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium

Form:

Al Ittihad (Saudi Pro League): W-W-L-W

Al Fateh(Saudi Pro League): L-D-W-W

Players to watch:

Karim Benzema:

The French striker is one of the best players in the world and will be the main threat to Al Fateh's defense. Benzema is a complete forward who can score goals with his head, feet, and from outside the box. In the opening six matches, he has three goals to his name and two assists. He is capable of scoring more goals, he is still trying to adapt to his new surroundings and to his new teammates.

Cristian Tello:

The Spanish winger is the most experienced player in the Al Fateh squad. Tello has played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Barcelona and Liverpool. He is a quick and skillful player who can score goals and create chances for his teammates. The 32-year-old forward has played five matches, scored two goals and assisted one goal in this season.

Match facts:

• Al Ittihad are unbeaten in their last 10 home matches, Al Fateh have won their last 2 away matches.
• Al Ittihad have never lost a home match against Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League.
• Al Ittihad are the most successful club in Saudi Arabia, having won the Saudi Pro League a record 9 times.
• Al Fateh are the only club in Saudi Arabia to have won the Saudi Super Cup twice, without ever winning the Saudi Pro League.

Injury and Team news for Al-Ittihad vs Al-Fateh

Al Ittihad are likely not facing any injury scare ahead of this match. Karim Benzema is expected to start in attack, with Coronado and Romarinho supporting him. Nuno Espirito Santo is likely to stick with his preferred 4-3-3 formation.

Al Fateh have a clean bill of health. Their key player Mukhtar Ali will miss this crucial tie after receiving a red card in their last match. Cristian Tello and Feras Albrikan are expected to start in attack, with Sofiane Bendebka providing creativity from midfield. Abdeslam Ouaddou is likely to stick with his preferred 4-5-1 formation.

Head to Head:

Total Matches – 28

Al Ittihad wins – 11

Al Fateh wins – 6

Draws – 11

Predicted Lineup:

Al-Ittihad predicted lineup:

Grohe (GK); Bamsaud, Sharahili, Hawsawi, Alolayan; Fabinho, Kante, Hamdallah; Romarinho, Benzema, Coronado

Al-Fateh predicted lineup:

Rinne (GK); Buhimed, Denayer, Saadane, Baattia; Zelarayan, Al-Hassan, C.Tello, Bendebka, Batna; Feras Albrikan

Match Prediction for Al-Ittihad vs Al-Fateh:

Al Ittihad are the reigning Saudi Pro League champions and they have a stronger squad than Al Fateh. They are also playing at home, where they have a very good record against Al Fateh. However, Al Fateh is a dangerous team who have the potential to cause an upset. They have several talented players in their squad, including Cristian Tello and Feras Albrikan. It will be a close contest but Al Ittihad will win the match.

Prediction: Al Ittihad 2-1 Al Fateh

Telecast:

India – Sony Liv, Sony Sports Network

UK – Sky Sports

US –  ESPN

Nigeria –  Sporty TV.