Saudi Pro League: Al Ittihad vs Al Fayha: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Published at :March 28, 2024 at 1:18 PM

Modified at :March 28, 2024 at 1:18 PM

Al Ittihad continue to struggle with their title defense

Al Ittihad have been somewhat inconsistent, beginning with a 3-1 loss to Al Hilal followed by victories of 2-1 against Al Akhdoud and 2-4 against Al Fateh FC. Despite some ups and downs, they’ve managed to secure four wins out of their last six Saudi Pro League matches, with no draws but two losses, scoring a total of 13 goals while conceding 12.

On the other hand, Al-Fayha have been on a relatively positive trajectory, winning 1-2 and 2-3 against Al-Raed and Al Shabab respectively, before settling for a 1-1 draw against Al Riyadh. Away from home, they’ve secured four wins out of six matches in the Saudi Professional League, scoring ten goals and conceding 11. They have yet to draw but have suffered defeat twice.

Kick-off:

Saturday, 30 March 2024 at 03:00 PM ET (12:30 AM IST)

Location: Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium

Form:

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

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

Players to watch

Abderrazak Hamdallah (Al Ittihad)

Abderrazak Hamdallah, with seven recent goals and 17 goals throughout for Al Ittihad in the Saudi Professional League, stands out as a noteworthy player. Widely acknowledged as an unstoppable force in football, he is celebrated for his exceptional goal-scoring abilities.

Demonstrating remarkable technique, he showcases impressive movement, heading abilities, and deadly accuracy in finishing. Hamdallah, known for his versatility, can score with either foot and possesses the vision to provide crucial assists.

Henry Onyekuru (Al Fayha)

Henry Onyekuru appears to offer excellent value in terms of scoring on Friday, given his recent performance in the Saudi Professional League for Al-Fayha, where he has found the net five times. Over the course of the season, he has scored a total of ten goals in this Saudi Professional League campaign. With a height of around 5 feet 9 inches, Henry Onyekuru possesses a low center of gravity that allows for rapid changes in direction.

Match facts:

Al Ittihad have scored in 22 of the last 24 home matches.
In each of the past 14 matches, Al Fayha have allowed at least one goal to be scored against them.
Al Ittihad have found the back of the net in each of their last 12 consecutive matches in the league.

Injury and team news for Al Ittihad vs Al Fayha:

Madallah Al Olayan is suspended, Saad Al-Mousa is sidelined until mid-April 2024 with a foot injury, Muhannad Shanqeeti has returned to training after a muscle injury, Hamed Al Ghamdi faces a few weeks out due to injury, Fabinho’s return from a muscle injury is uncertain, Ahmed Mohammed Sharahili will be out until late May 2024 with a cruciate ligament injury.

Karim Benzema, the french star, has picked up a back problem and will continue to miss games as claimed by the club and manager Gallardo

Ricardo Ryller is expected to return from a broken leg in early May 2024, while Mohammed Yahya Majrashi is anticipated to recover from a cruciate ligament injury by mid-June 2024. However, Malik Al-Abdulmonem is out for the season due to a cruciate ligament injury. Additionally, Anthony Nwakaeme is doubtful for the upcoming matches.

Head to Head:

Total Matches – 16

Al Ittihad wins – 9

Al Fayha wins – 5

Draws – 2

Predicted Lineup for Al Ittihad vs Al Fayha:

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

Al-Mayouf; Kadesh, Hegazy, Felipe, Al-Sqoor; Kante, Al-Ghamdi; Jota, A. Al-Ghamdi, Romarinho; Hamdallah

Al Fayha predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Al-Deqeel; Konan, Al-Shuwaish, Al-Khaibari, Al Baqawi; Cimirot, Kaabi, Al-Safri; Onyekuru, Sabiri, Sakala

Match prediction for Al Ittihad vs Al Fayha

Al Ittihad’s defense of the Saudi Pro League title has proven challenging. Despite this, they enter this match following a 4-2 victory over Al Fateh just before the March international break. Now, they confront an Al Fayha team that has shown consistency, currently positioned in the top half of the table with a five-match unbeaten streak in the league since the winter break.

Prediction: Al Ittihad 2-2 Al Fayha

Telecast:

India – SonyLiv, Sony Sports Network

UK – Sky Sports

US – ESPN

Nigeria – Sporty TV

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