MX23RW : Monday, January 27 19:24:52| >> :600:253335:253335:
[monks data]
Saudi Pro League | Gameweek 24
Mar 16, 2024 at 7pm UK
Al Fateh Club Stadium

Al Fateh
2 - 4
Al Ittihad

Al-Najdi (6'), Al-Shurafa (66')
Ali (90+10')
FT(HT: 1-2)
Hamdallah (39' pen., 74'), Jota (45+4'), Al-Ghamdi (64')
Alolayan (49'), Al Hawsawi (90+9')
Alolayan (77')

Preview: Al Fateh vs. Al Ittihad - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Saudi Pro League clash between Al Fateh and Al Ittihad, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

After seven games without a win, Al Fateh will attempt to get their season back on track when they host Al Ittihad on Saturday.

The visitors currently sit fourth in the Saudi Pro League and continue to try and place pressure on those above them.


Match preview

Al Fateh coach Slaven Bilic reacts on February 17, 2024© Reuters

Al Fateh are in the midst of a poor run of performances which has resulted in them slipping down the league table, as they have failed to win in their previous seven outings.

Slaven Bilic's men last recorded a win on December 23rd, and there is certainly growing pressure on the team from the fanbase to start delivering on the pitch.

However, if Al Fateh hope to turn things around then they will need to do something they have struggled with all season, which is to pick up three points at home.

Bilic has only guided his squad to three victories at the Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium, and that form is a big reason why the club currently sits in eighth place.

Three points could have a major impact, though, due to the division still being tight, as Al Fateh could potentially rise to sixth by the end of the weekend if other results go in their favour.

Al Ittihad's N'Golo Kante celebrates scoring their first goal with Marwan Al Sahaf and Zakaria Al Hawsawi on March 1, 2024© Reuters

The visitors will be keen to ensure that does not happen, considering they sit four places higher than their opponents in the league table.

However, much like Al Fateh, the Tigers are not coming into this weekend in the best of form after winning only once in their previous four outings in all competitions.

Al Ittihad were recently dumped out of the AFC Champions League by Al Hilal in the quarter-final stage, with Marcelo Gallardo's men failing to lay a glove on them throughout two games as they were beaten 4-0 on aggregate.

With the Tigers 13 points away from the top two right now there is little margin for error in each game, and that pressure is something that Gallardo will be attempting to manage.

There was little to split these two teams the last time they met, though, with an N'Golo Kante goal proving to be the difference maker as Al Ittihad took all three points.

Al Fateh Saudi Pro League form:

Al Ittihad Saudi Pro League form:


Al Ittihad form (all competitions):



Team News

Al Ittihad's Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their third goal on December 12, 2023© Reuters

Saeed Baattia could be brought back into the Al Fateh team after being unavailable recently due to suspension, which could give a fresh boost to the matchday squad.

The pressure will be on Jason Denayer and the rest of the back four due to the attacking qualities of the visitors, who have scored 44 times already this season.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the pitch, it will likely be Cristian Tello and Lucas Zelarayan leading the line to try and cause problems.

The visitors can welcome back Kante following his suspension, which will provide both experience and energy into the midfield as the French international is a driving force for the team.

However, Karim Benzema is still unavailable for Al Ittihad due to the chronic pain he is dealing with, which will be frustrating for the fans considering the fact they have struggled for goals lately.


Al Fateh possible starting lineup:
Rinne; Al-Zubaidi, Al Daheem, Denayer, Buhimed; Al-Mogren, Ali, Saadane, Al-Saeed; Tello, Zelarayan

Al Ittihad possible starting lineup:
Al-Mayouf; Al-Olayan, Al Mousa, Hegazi, Kadesh; Al-Sahafi, Kante, Fabinho, Hawsawi; Romarinho, Hamdallah



SM words green background

We say: Al Fateh 0-2 Al Ittihad

Al Ittihad might not head into this match in good form, but their overall quality should be enough to see them take all three points this weekend.

The hosts are struggling massively at the moment and the lack of confidence in the team will shine through here.



For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.




ID:538955:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect10829:
Written by
Matthew Wilkinson

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

How you voted: Al Fateh vs Al Ittihad

Al Fateh
0.0%
Draw
0.0%
Al Ittihad
100%
5
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Marcos Acuna in action for Argentina on November 22, 2022
Read Next:
Transfer rumours: Acuna to Villa, Willian to Al Shabab, Origi to Al Fateh
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Al-HilalAl-Hilal17141253173643
2Al Ittihad17141240142643
3Al Quadisiya17121426121437
4Al-Nassr17105235161935
5Al-AhliAl-Ahli17102530151532
6Al ShababAl Shabab179262518729
7Al Khaleej178272423126
8Al Riyadh177462025-525
9Al-TaawounAl-Taawoun176561816223
10Damac176382529-421
11Al Kholood175482129-819
12Al Ettifaq175481927-819
13Al Okhdood1743102126-515
14Al Fayha173681427-1315
15Al RaedAl Raed1742112030-1014
16Al Orubah1742111135-2414
17Al WahdaAl Wahda1734102241-1913
18Al Fateh1723121539-249


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!