Preview: Al Fateh vs Al Ittihad Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | Saudi Pro League 2025-26
Benzema and Diaby lead the charge as the Tigers face Al Fateh in a high-stakes Thursday clash.
Al Ittihad earned a gritty 2-1 victory over Al Okhdood on Monday. They now travel east to Al Hofuf this Thursday. The Tigers aim to turn around a messy 2025/26 season.
They are currently stuck in sixth place and face an inconsistent Al Fateh side at the Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium. This fixture often promises goals, even if it lacks defensive solidity.
The hosts sit in 10th, but their unpredictability remains their most dangerous weapon. They have recorded four wins and four losses at home with zero draws. This suggests an all-or-nothing approach under José Gomes.
Sérgio Conceição’s men arrive with renewed, albeit fragile, confidence. Karim Benzema netted his eighth goal of the season earlier this week. He continues to lead the line with support from Moussa Diaby.
Diaby currently leads the league in assists. However, defensive holes remain a problem.
Injuries to Saad Al-Mousa and Faisel Al-Ghamdi leave gaps in the squad. Al Fateh’s Mourad Batna and Lucas Zelarayán will be eager to exploit these openings.
History favours the visitors. Ittihad claimed a 4-2 win in the reverse fixture. However, their away form remains a concern. They dropped points at Al Qadsiah and Damac recently.
Thursday’s clash is critical for Al Ittihad’s faint hopes of breaking into the top four. Al Fateh are safe from relegation but drift aimlessly in mid-table.
They play for pride and the chance to upset one of the league’s big teams. Expect a high-tempo affair. N’Golo Kanté will run the midfield to clash with Al Fateh’s swift counter-attacks.
Kick-off:
- Location: Al-Hofuf, Saudi Arabia
- Stadium: Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium
- Date: Thursday, January 29
- Kick-off Time: 8:30 PM IST
- Referee: TBD
- VAR: The officials will use VAR
Form:
Al Fateh: L-L-D-W-W
Al Ittihad: W-L-L-D-W
Players to watch out for:
Matías Vargas (Al Fateh):
Matías Vargas is the main playmaker for Al Fateh. He has five goals and one assist across 16 appearances this season. The Argentine winger currently holds an average performance rating of 7.19. He often relies on skilful runs down the wing to unlock stubborn defences and create chances.
Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad):
Karim Benzema leads the attack for the visitors. He has shown he’s still deadly in front of goal with eight goals in just 14 league matches. He maintains a high average match rating of 7.26.
The French veteran provides the clinical edge Al Ittihad need. He consistently finds space in the box to punish opposition errors.
Match Facts:
- Al Fateh have scored seven goals in their last five matches.
- Al Ittihad have scored eight goals in their last five matches.
- Al Fateh FC and Al Ittihad have not drawn any of their last seven matches against each other.
Al Fateh vs Al Ittihad Betting Tips and Odds
- Al Ittihad to Win: 1.40 (PariPesa).
- Both Teams To Score: Yes – 1.57 (PariPesa).
- Total goals over 3.5: 1.93 (1Win).
Injuries and Team News:
Al Fateh FC have all available players.
Al Ittihad will miss the following players: Abdulrahman Al-Obood, Faisel Al-Ghamdi, and Saad Al-Mousa.
Head-To-Head stats:
- Total matches: 40
- Al Fateh won: 10
- Al Ittihad won: 19
- Draws: 11
Predicted Starting Lineups:
Al Fateh (4-4-2): Pacheco; Al Swealem, Fernandes, Marwane Saadane, Al Jari; Delgado, Al-Anazi, Youssouf, Baattia; Al Zubaidi, Vargas.
Al Ittihad (4-3-3): Rajkovic; Shanqeeti, Danilo, Fabinho, Kadesh; Doumbia, Kanté, Aouar; Al Bishi, Benzema, Diaby
Match Prediction:
Al Ittihad should come out on top here. Their front three have more than enough talent to break down Al Fateh’s shaky defence. The hosts give away far too many chances to keep Karim Benzema quiet for ninety minutes.
The visitors should take the points home comfortably.
Prediction: Al Fateh 1-3 Al Ittihad.
Telecast Details
India: Fancode
UK: DAZN UK
USA: fubo TV, FOX Deportes
Nigeria: Star Times App, Sporty TV
Which players are unavailable for Ittihad in the match against Al Fateh?
Al Ittihad will miss Abdulrahman Al-Obood, Faisel Al-Ghamdi, and Saad Al-Mousa due to injuries.
What is the head-to-head record between Al Fateh and Al Ittihad?
In 40 total meetings, Al Ittihad have secured 19 wins, Al Fateh have 10, and the teams have drawn 11 times.
Who are the key players to watch in this Saudi Pro League clash?
Keep an eye on Al Fateh playmaker Matías Vargas and Al Ittihad’s leading scorer Karim Benzema.
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