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

Published at :December 28, 2023 at 3:59 PM

Modified at :January 14, 2024 at 12:35 AM

Matchday 19 of the Saudi Pro League 2023-24 is set to be underway

In the heart of Saudi Arabia, football enthusiasts are gearing up for an exhilarating clash as Al-Tai FC faces off against Al-Ittihad Saudi Arabian Club in the Saudi Professional League. The anticipation is high, and fans are eagerly awaiting the showdown scheduled for December 30, 2023, at the Prince Abdulaziz Bin Musaid Sport City Stadium in Ha’il.

The history between Al-Tai and Al-Ittihad adds an extra layer of excitement to this fixture. The last league encounter between these two teams on August 19, 2023, saw Al-Ittihad emerge victorious with a 2-0 scoreline. This victory will undoubtedly serve as a morale boost for Al-Ittihad, while Al-Tai will be eager to turn the tables and showcase their resilience on the field. As the two sides prepare to face off once again, the head-to-head history adds a sense of unpredictability to the upcoming clash, making it a must-watch for football enthusiasts.

the recent form of both teams provides valuable insights into their strengths and weaknesses. Al-Tai’s most recent Professional League game ended in a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Damac, where they struggled defensively, allowing nine of Damac’s 25 shots to find the target. Al-Ittihad, on the other hand, faced a setback against Al-Nassr, conceding multiple goals, and their defense will need to tighten up to avoid a similar fate. Both teams have shown a tendency to allow goals in their previous encounters, setting the stage for an exciting and potentially high-scoring affair.

Kick-Off:

Saturday, December 30, 2023, 08:30 PM (IST)

Stadium: Prince Abdulaziz Bin Musaid Sport City Stadium, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia.

Form

Al Tai: W W L L L

Al Ittihad: D W L L L

Players to Watch

Bernard Meensah (Al Tai)

Bernard Mensah, having joined Al-Tai in July 2023 on a free transfer, has made a significant impact in the Saudi Professional League. In 15 matches, he showcased his goal-scoring prowess by netting 9 goals. Mensah marked his goal-scoring debut on September 16, 2023, with a penalty against Al-Hazm in the Saudi Professional League.

A notable highlight occurred on September 21, 2023, when Mensah secured a memorable hat-trick in a match against Al-Ettifaq, despite his team facing a 3-4 loss. His outstanding performances earned him the November Player of the Month award in the Saudi Pro League, triumphing over fellow nominee Georges-Kevin N’koudou. Mensah’s contribution has undoubtedly been a key factor in Al-Tai’s campaign, making him a standout player in the league.

Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad)

Karim Benzema made his injured comeback after sitting out matches for the Saudi team. This season, the forward has nine goals in the Saudi Pro League. The former Real Madrid player recognized for his technical prowess, vision, and adaptability on the field has been the team’s main man. In 15 matches, he showcased his goal-scoring prowess by netting 9 goals. Almost every game he has participated in for the team this season has seen him make a contribution.

Match facts

In two of Al-Ittihad FC’s nine Saudi Pro League away games this season, they have failed to score.
With nine goals, Bernard Mensah leads Al-Tai in scoring. Nine goals have been scored by Karim Benzema for Al-Ittihad FC.
Al-Tai had 22 points and was ranked eighth on the table a year ago. With 17 points, they are currently ranked 14th.
Ten straight games have seen at least one goal scored by Al-Ittihad FC.
Al-Ittihad FC defeated Al-Tai in both of their previous season’s encounters (2-0 at home and 1-0 away).
Al-Tai have lost their last three Saudi Pro League games.

Team news and Injury

In the lead-up to the Al Tai vs Al Ittihad clash, both teams are grappling with key player absences. Al-Tai face setbacks with Victor Braga’s uncertain availability due to a knock, while crucial players Hussain Qasim and Abdulkarim Al-Sulaiman are sidelined for the season with cruciate ligament injuries.

On the Al-Ittihad side, Fabinho’s suspension and multiple muscle injuries to Omar Hawsawi, Muhannad Shanqeeti, and Luiz Felipe pose challenges. Doubts surround Awad Al Nashri and Aseel Abed, labeled as doubtful, while Ahmed Mohammed Sharahili faces a late May return from a cruciate ligament injury. Ahmed Bamsaud and Abdullah Al Jadani’s return dates remain unknown. These absences add complexity to both teams’ strategies and lineup decisions, intensifying the intrigue of the upcoming match.

Head-to-Head

Matches: 5

Al Tai: 1

Draw: 0

Al Ittihad: 4

Predicted Lineup for Al Tai vs Al Ittihad

Al Tai Predicted Lineup: (5-4-1)

Al Bagawi; Mohammed, Al Nakhli, Bauer, Roco, Majrashi; Asiri, Semedo, Mensah, Al-Moasher; Al-Haizan

Al Ittihad predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Al-Maiouf; Al-Sahafi, Al-Amiri, Alobud, Bamsaud; Kante, Farhan; Romarinho, Al-Ghamdi, Coronado; Benzema

Match Prediction for Al Tai vs Al Ittihad

Based on recent performances and team dynamics, a 1-3 victory for Al-Ittihad seems plausible when the full-time whistle blows. Al-Ittihad’s ability to generate scoring opportunities and make accurate attempts on goal could prove to be the differentiating factor, while Al-Tai may struggle to break through Al-Ittihad’s defense but could find the back of the net at least once.

Prediction: Al-Tai 1-3 Al- Ittihad

Telecast

India – Sony Network, SonyLIV

UK– DAZN, Sky Sports

US – FOX Sports, ESPN

Nigeria – Sporty TV

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