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

The Iraqi team will look to win their first match against a Saudi side

In the current season of the Saudi Pro League, Al-Ittihad are in third place, showing a solid performance, in the AFC Champions League, the club is second in Group C, with 3 points after one match. Al-Ittihad have three consecutive draws in the Saudi Pro League. Their most recent encounter resulted in a 1-1 deadlock against Al-Taawoun, where Karim Benzema found the back of the net for both the teams.

Al Quwa faces a demanding season ahead, having finished as the runner-up in the previous Iraqi Super League campaign. In the AFC Champions League, the club leads Group C with 4 points after two matches played. Al Quwa began the tournament with a 2-2 draw against Sepahan, followed by a 2-1 victory over AGMK.

Kick-Off:

Monday, 23 October at 9:30 PM IST

Location: King Abdullah Sport City

Form

Al Ittihad (in all competitions): W-W-W-D-L-D

Al Quwa (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-D-W

Players to watch out

Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad):

The prolific French striker Karim Benzema has already netted seven goals this season, with his most recent strike coming in the previous match against Al-Taawon. Benzema's impact on Al-Ittihad has been immediate and significant. He has 6 goal contributions in the Saudi Pro League this season. His presence has undoubtedly raised the team's profile and aspirations this season.

Ali Jasim (Al Quwa):

Ali Jasim, a forward who has already scored three goals in this AFC Champions League, proving to be a crucial element for the team. The 19-year-old Iraqi has contributed in both the games for the Iraqi club in the AFC Champions League. Jasim is a talented young striker who is quick and agile. He is the second youngest goalscorer in the League's history.

Match facts:

• Al Ittihad have failed to win any of their last four games in regulation time.
• Al Quwa's defense has yet to prevent an opponent from scoring in the Champions League, while Al-Ittihad managed to keep a clean sheet against AGMK in their opening match.
• This is the first clash between both the sides.

Injury & team news

Al Ittihad are missing some of their big players due to injuries and are still doubtful for this match. The likes of Jota and Fabinho are main missing for Nuno Santo. There are as many as 9 players who have been sidelined due to injuries suffered. The Iraqi club on the other hand will play the same squad as all the other matches so far in this season.

Head-to-Head

*This AFC Champions League tie will be the first-ever meeting of both these sides

Predicted Lineup

Al Ittihad predicted lineup:

Grohe; Bamsaud, Felipe, Hawsawi, Al-Shanqeeti; Coronado, Al Nashri, Kante, Romarinho; Hamdallah, Benzema

Al Quwa predicted lineup:

Farhan; Bayesh, Hanoon, N'Diaye, H. Mashaan, Maaroufi; Abdul-Amir, Atchou, Q. Majid; Ali Jasim, Apoko

Match Prediction for Al-Ittihad vs Al-Quwa:

Benzema will be the biggest threat heading into this match having scored on Friday, he will be hungry to bag more goals in this match. Al Ittihad have more star players with experience of playing at the highest level than the Iraqi club. The Iraqi team will be determined to prove that they can compete with the Saudi team and come up with a result. It is going to be an exciting Group C clash between the top two teams in the group.

Prediction: Al Ittihad 2-1 Al Quwa

Telecast details for Al-Ittihad vs Al-Quwa

India – Fancode

UK – No telecast

US –  Paramount+

Nigeria – No telecast

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