Al-Khaleej will host league leaders Al-Ittihad on February 26 at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 18:00 CET. This Matchday 22 clash holds significant importance as both teams aim to solidify their positions, with Al-Ittihad sitting at the top of the Saudi Pro League table.
Currently, Al-Khaleej resides at 10th place with 28 points, having secured 8 wins, 4 draws, and 9 losses. With a current goal difference of -4 (26 goals scored, 30 conceded), Al-Khaleej is on shaky ground, especially after their last match, which resulted in a goalless draw against Al-Fayha. Their recent form has been concerning, with only 1 win out of their last five league encounters, which included 2 draws and 2 defeats.
Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad has enjoyed stellar success this season, leading the league confidently with 55 points from 18 wins, 1 draw, and only 2 losses—boasting remarkable goal stats of 54 scored and 20 conceded. Their last outing resulted in a dominant 4-1 victory over title rivals Al-Hilal, reinforcing their grip on the top spot. Al-Ittihad has netted 15 goals and conceded just 4 across their previous five games, showcasing their potent attacking style.
Head-to-head, Al-Ittihad has historically dominated their encounters with Al-Khaleej. Out of their last 13 meetings, Al-Ittihad has triumphed 10 times, with Al-Khaleej yet to secure any wins—3 matches ended in draws. The last encounter witnessed Al-Ittihad walking away with a convincing 4-1 away win, underlining their advantage against Al-Khaleej.
Looking closely at the key players to watch, Al-Ittihad's Karim Benzema stands out as one of the best forwards not just for his team, but across the league this season. The talented French striker has already racked up 16 goals and provided 7 assists this season, scoring consistently, including 8 times in 10 recent games. His ability to find the net will be pivotal for Al-Ittihad's success.
Predicted lineups suggest Al-Khaleej may deploy Šehić as their goalkeeper, shielded by defenders like Tisserand and Al-Hamsal, with versatile players like Hamsik and Fortounis aiming to support the attack. For Al-Ittihad, fan-favorites like Rajković will guard the net with stars like Kanté, Fabinho, Aouar, and of course, Benzema leading the charge upfront.
Analysts and fans alike are anticipating an entertaining match, likely featuring plenty of action. Given Al-Ittihad's current form and their recent dominant record against Al-Khaleej, they are seen as the clear favorites heading to the match. Betting suggestions lean toward over 2.5 total goals, capitalizing on the attacking prowess displayed by both teams.
Weather conditions for the match look promising, with temperatures expected to hover around 16 degrees Celsius and only a 10% chance of rain. Such favorable conditions likely provide for a thrilling spectacle of football.
Al-Khaleej, desperate to turn their fortunes around and break their negative streak, faces perhaps their toughest test yet against the Tiger’s relentless momentum. Can they rise to the challenge, or will Al-Ittihad continue to display their league dominance?
The stakes couldn't be higher as these two teams prepare to clash, each with something significant on the line. Football fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of what promises to be another intriguing chapter of the Saudi Pro League.