Al Ittihad vs Al Ain Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast | King's Cup 2024-25

The Tigers suffered a 3-1 defeat to Al-Hilal in their last game.

The Saudi Arabian King’s Cup is all set to unveil its 50th edition with 32 teams going up against each other for the elusive trophy in a do-or-die format. 18 teams from the Saudi Pro League and 14 outfits from the Saudi First Division League will participate in this edition of the King’s Cup. The tournament will start with the RO32 clash from September 22.

Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad will begin their campaign with a clash against second-tier side Al Ain in the port city of Jeddah. Al Ittihad have enjoyed a good start to their league season having won three out of their opening four games. Al Ain on the other hand have had a mixed season so far. They have managed to accumulate just five points in four games.

Kick Off

Tuesday, September 24, 11:30 PM IST

Location: Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium

Form

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

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

Players to watch 

Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad)

The French forward has lived up to all the hype and expectations since moving to Saudi Arabia last summer. He seems to be enjoying life in the Saudi Pro League and has become one of the most consistent players. Karim Benzema has scored five goals in four league games so far for the Nation’s club. His positioning and finishing abilities make him a dangerous opponent to deal with.

Mohammed Abbas Al-Nakhli (Al Ain)

The Saudi Arabian forward is undoubtedly one of the best players in the current Al Ain setup. Abbas has scored two goals so far in the second division and is Al Ain’s top scorer this season. He is a natural right winger, but can also operate on the left flank as and when required. His versatility coupled with his goalscoring abilities make him a crucial asset for his side.

Match facts

• Al Ittihad have never lost a game against Al Ain
• This will only be the third meeting between the two sides
• The winner of this game will qualify for the RO16 while the losing side will get eliminated

Al Ittihad vs Al Ain: Betting tips and Odds

• Tip 1: Al Ittihad to win the game
• Tip 2: Karim Benzema to score anytime
• Tip 3: Ngolo Kante to get an assist

Injury & Team News

Danilo Pereira remains doubtful for Al Ittihad.

Al Ain are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection.

Head-to-head

Total Matches played – 2

Al Ittihad wins – 2

Al Ain wins – 0

Draws – 0

Predicted Line-up 

Al Ittihad (4-2-3-1)

Rajkovic (GK); Shanqeeti, Al-Amri, Al-Mousa, Kadesh; Kante, Fabinho; Diaby, Aouar, Steven; Benzema

Al Ain (3-5-2)

Bogdanovic (GK); Rabea, Al Sabhi, Lwaliqa; Ibrahim, Bonsu, Al-Zahrani, Al-Thobaiti, Al Khaldi; Al-Nakhli, Al-Shammari

Prediction

Al Ittihad are the much superior side and have a dominant head-to-head record against Al-Ain, making them the clear favourites coming into this game. We expect the Tigers to wrap up a comfortable 2-0 win at home.

Prediction: Al Ittihad 2-0 Al Ain

Telecast

TBD

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