The Saudi Pro League is heating up as Al-Khaleej prepares to host the league leaders Al-Ittihad on February 26, 2025. This exciting matchup is set to kick off at 2 p.m. (Brasilia time) at the Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Stadium, located in Dammam. Fans can catch all the action live on Bandsports and various Band platforms.
Al-Ittihad, currently sitting at the top of the league table with 55 points from 21 games, has had a sensational season so far. The team boasts 18 wins, one draw, and two losses, considerably strengthening their position as front-runners for the league title. Their latest match was nothing short of spectacular, as they triumphed over arch-rivals Al-Hilal with a decisive 4-1 scoreline, increasing their lead even more.
On the other hand, Al-Khaleej finds itself struggling this season, occupying the 10th spot with 28 points. They have not seen victory in their last four outings, which include two draws and two losses. This lack of form has kept them safely away from the relegation zone, but they will need to gather momentum quickly if they hope to climb the rankings.
History has shown Al-Ittihad's dominance in their encounters with Al-Khaleej, winning 11 out of the last 14 matchups. The last time the two teams met, Al-Ittihad emerged victorious with the same 4-1 scoreline, signaling their clear upper hand. With such statistics, it’s no wonder Al-Ittihad is considered the favorite heading to this match.
Key player Karim Benzema is always one to watch. The prolific scorer continues to light up the pitch, amassing 16 goals in his first 18 matches for Al-Ittihad. With his phenomenal track record, predictions abound for Benzema to score again against Al-Khaleej. Betting odds reflect his expected performance, standing at 1.83 for scoring at any time during the match.
The betting community is also focused on the total number of goals scored. With the expectation of high-scoring action, the odds for over 2.5 goals sit at 1.47, reflecting confidence from analysts and fans alike. Based on recent encounters, where only three out of 10 fixtures have seen fewer than three goals, this prediction is not far-fetched.
When considering the probable lineups, Al-Khaleej will likely play with Sehic, Al-Hamsl, Tisserand, Khubrani, and Rebocho, with Hamzi and Al-Hawsawi anchoring midfield. The upfront presence will be filled by Aboulshamat, Fortounis, and Martins, supporting Al Salem as the lone striker.
Al-Ittihad's lineup, featuring stars like Rajkovic, Fabinho, Kanté, Diaby, Aouar, and Bergwijn, paints a picture of strength and skill ready to compete. They’ve scored 54 goals and conceded 20 so far this season—numbers showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive resilience.
Given the current form of both teams and the historical data between them, it's not surprising many foresee another victory for Al-Ittihad. Their superior technical abilities, combined with their recent form, truly make them the team to beat.
While Al-Khaleej will surely put forth their best effort, their struggle to secure victories recently against formidable opponents may prove challenging. Whether they can break their losing streak remains to be seen.
This is shaping up to be much more than just another league match—it could be pivotal for teams aiming for both the championship and relegation survival. Fans should expect nothing short of thrilling football action!
Catch all the drama and suspense live as these two teams face off. The match will air at 2 p.m. (Brasilia time) on Bandsports, Bandplay, and through various online Band platforms.