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

Al Ittihad and Al Hazem will square off in Gameweek 11 of the Saudi Pro League on Thursday night at the Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium

With 20 points after 10 games, the home team enters the contest in fifth place in the Saudi Pro League rankings, while the opponents occupy 17th place with just six points.

Al Ittihad are going through a bit of a rough patch after having a solid start to their championship defence, registering four straight victories in their first four matches this season. They will see this as a perfect chance to get back on track.

While it continues to be rather crowded at the bottom of the standings, Al Hazem's top-flight adventure has not gone as they had intended thus far as they find themselves within the relegation zone after 10 games.

The Hazemies started the year scoreless through their first nine league games, but last week they finally succeeded in winning their debut in the top division, defeating Al Raed 4-3 at home in a key bottom-of-the-table match.

Kick-off

11:30 p.m. IST, 6 p.m. GMT, (26-10-2023)

Form

Al-Ittihad form in all competitions: L-W-W-D-L-D

Al-Hazem form in all competitions: L-D-L-L-L-W

Head-to-Head record

Since 2005, there have been 24 matches between the two teams across all competitions. The hosts have won 18 of the meetings, which is as expected, giving them the advantage. In their two victories over their Western counterparts, the visitors, four of the games were drawn.

Team news for Al Ittihad vs Al Hazem

Due to the absence of Abdullah Al-Jadani, who is recovering from cruciate ligament damage, Marcelo Grohe will remain in goal for the hosts.

In the defence, Jota remains unavailable for choice, while Ahmed Hegazy (cruciate ligament) and Aseel Abed (hernia) are anticipated to be out for the time being.

After scoring goals last week against Al-Raed, the attacking trio of Al-Thani, Badamosi, and Selemani will be expected to start this game for the guests.

With Ben Hassan Traore probably out due to the injury he suffered shortly after the half-hour mark last week, Mohammed Abousaban should fill in as the deepest-lying midfielder.

Predicted lineup for Al Ittihad vs Al Hazem:

Al Ittihad: Grohe; Al-Shanqeeti, Hawsawi, Felipe, Bamsaud; Romarinho, Kante, Al Nashri, Coronado; Al-Amri, Benzema

Al Hazem: Zaid; Al Mhemaid, Ricard, Viana, Qasheesh; Vinicius, Abousaban, Toze; Al-Thani, Badamosi, Selemani

Prediction for Al Ittihad vs Al Hazem:

Even though the visitors did manage to win their first league game last week, they will likely struggle to overcome the reigning champions in this game due to the significant class difference. We believe Al Hazem will give up a couple more goals here as well. They have allowed eight goals in their last two away games.

Prediction: Al-Ittihad 2-1 Al-Hazem

Telecast of Al Ittihad vs Al Hazem

India – Sony Liv, Sony Sports Network

UK – Sky Sports

US –  ESPN

Nigeria –  Sporty TV