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Saudi Pro League | Gameweek 4
Aug 28, 2023 at 7pm UK
King Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium

Al Wahda
0 - 3
Al Ittihad


Noor (45+5'), De Moraes (45+6')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Romarinho (63'), Jota (67'), Coronado (73')
Hamdallah (61')

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

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

Table-topping Al Ittihad travel to Al Wahda in Monday's Saudi Pro League action at the King Abdul Aziz Stadium, seeking to remain unbeaten at the start of the new campaign.

The Red Giant could move level on points with the visitors, while the away side could maintain their 100 percent league record this term.


Match preview

Al-Ittihad new signing Karim Benzema waves to fans as he holds the Ballon d'Or trophy during his presentation on June 7, 2023© Reuters

A 1-0 defeat by Al Riyadh in the opening round of games has turned out to be a blip for Al Wahda, whose response to that defeat has been two consecutive wins in the league.

Defeating Al Shabab and Al Tai has accrued six points for Giorgos Donis's team, who have netted six times and conceded one in the recent 180 minutes of action.

Interestingly, the Red Giant have had six different goal scorers in those victories, a statistic that can be interpreted positively or negatively.

On the one hand, it shows the hosts are not reliant on any player; on the other hand, it could leave them without a player keen to take responsibility when they are in a tough spot.

It remains to be seen how gameweek four goes for Al Wahda, but three consecutive league wins has a gratifying ring.

As for Al Ittihad, they are without blemish after three league encounters this term, defeating Al Raed, Al Tai and Al Riyadh without conceding a goal.

They have netted nine goals in their opening three league games, with Karim Benzema opening his league account for the club in the 4-0 triumph over Al Riyadh.

The Frenchman has assisted two goals in the opening three games, taking him to three goal involvements to start the campaign — making the former Real Madrid superstar the go-to attacker for Nuno Espirito Santo's troops.

The top-scoring Tigers are favourites to secure maximum points in round three, with their nine goals making them the league's most prolific side, and they remain the only club to keep clean sheets in every game.

Nuno's men may eventually concede in gameweek four, but they seem primed to remain without blemish.

Al Wahda Saudi Pro League form:

Al Ittihad Saudi Pro League form:


Al Ittihad form (all competitions):


Team News

Odion Ighalo could make his first start for Al Wahda on Monday, with the Nigerian coming off the bench to open his account at the club against Al Tai.

Abdulquddus Atiah's goalkeeping expertise could increase the home side's prospects on Monday — the shot-stopper saved a penalty in the 3-1 success over Al Shabab in gameweek two.

Donis has utilised a back four all season, and the manager should not change tack on Monday.

Benzema is Al Ittihad's best player, and the Frenchman could star when they travel to Al Wahda despite reports of a bust-up with his manager.

Nuno could also call upon the expertise of N'Golo Kante and Fabinho in the middle of the park, with the erstwhile Chelsea and Liverpool midfielders bringing their know-how to the away side's midfield.

Abderrazak Hamdallah has netted in every league game so far, scoring four times after three games, and the Moroccan should start as he seeks to find the back of the net yet again.

Marcelo Grohe saved Saleh Al Abbas's 89th-minute penalty to prevent Al Ittihad from conceding against Al Riyadh, and the goalkeeper could face another tough outing as he looks to keep another clean sheet.


Al Wahda possible starting lineup:
Atiah; Al Muwallad, El Yamiq, Al-Hafith, Hawsawi; Noor, Al-Hejji, Fajr, Al Issa; Anselmo, Ighalo

Al Ittihad possible starting lineup:
Grohe; Al-Olayan, Hawsawi, Sharahili, Alshanqeeti; Kante, Fabinho; Romarinho, Hamdallah, Coronado; Benzema


SM words green background

We say: Al Wahda 1-3 Al Ittihad

Benzema and co. should have the firepower to help Al Ittihad overpower Al Wahda on Monday, with the home side unable to live with the visitors' attacking menace.


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


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:data


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Game History

How you voted: Al Wahda vs Al Ittihad

Al Wahda
5.0%
Draw
10.0%
Al Ittihad
85.0%
20
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Al-HilalAl-Hilal98102471725
2Al Ittihad98012281424
3Al-Nassr95402081219
4Al ShababAl Shabab9603126618
5Al Quadisiya9513117416
6Al Riyadh94231314-114
7Al Khaleej94141011-113
8Al-TaawounAl-Taawoun9333109112
9Al-AhliAl-Ahli9324129311
10Al RaedAl Raed93241313011
11Al Ettifaq9324812-411
12Al Orubah9315919-1010
13Al Okhdood92251113-28
14Damac92251316-38
15Al Kholood91441217-57
16Al Fayha9144717-107
17Al WahdaAl Wahda91351224-126
18Al Fateh9126716-95


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