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The penultimate gameweek in the Saudi Pro League brings a crucial encounter as Al Ittihad face off against Damac at the Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah on Thursday evening. This match holds significant implications for both teams as they look to end the season on a high note.
Current Standings
As we approach the climax of the 2023-24 Saudi Pro League season, Al Ittihad find themselves in a less than ideal position. Sitting fifth in the league standings with 51 points from 32 games, the PIF-owned club’s title defence has been far from what fans expected. Injuries have played a significant role in their struggles, and with only two games remaining, the best finish they can hope for is fourth place.
Damac, on the other hand, are positioned 10th with 40 points, three points clear of Al-Khaleej and just one point shy of breaking into the top half of the table. For Damac, a strong finish could mean a respectable mid-table position, which would be a positive outcome considering their recent form.
Al Ittihad: A Season of Struggles
Al Ittihad’s season has been marred by inconsistencies and injuries. Last week’s draw against Al-Khaleej epitomized their struggles. Despite taking an early lead through Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti’s goal in first-half stoppage time, they couldn’t hold on and conceded a late equalizer to Egyptian international Mohamed Sherif, whose sensational solo effort levelled the match in the 81st minute.
One of the few bright spots for Al Ittihad has been the performance of N'golo Kante. The former Chelsea midfielder was instrumental in creating three significant chances in the match against Al-Khaleej. His impressive form earned him a recall to the French national team for the upcoming European Championships, a testament to his enduring quality despite the team’s overall struggles.
Adding to the turmoil, head coach Marcelo Gallardo has had a tumultuous relationship with the media. Following the draw with Al-Khaleej, Gallardo refused to attend the post-match press conference, marking the second time this season he has opted out of media duties after a disappointing result. Gallardo's tenure in Jeddah will end after this campaign, leaving the club searching for stability and leadership heading into the next season.
Damac: Seeking Stability
Damac’s season has been one of mixed results. Their winless streak extended to four games following a 1-1 draw at home against Al Fayha last week. Fashion Sakala continued his impressive run of form, scoring his sixth goal in as many league games. However, they couldn’t capitalize on this lead as Ramzi Solan equalized for Al Fayha in the second half.
The Knights of the South have struggled on the road, with a record of four wins, five draws, and seven losses. Their recent away form includes a heavy 4-1 defeat to Al Ahli and a goalless draw against relegation-threatened Abha. Avoiding a third consecutive away match without a win will be crucial for Damac as they aim to secure a mid-table finish.
Despite being the underdogs, Damac will draw confidence from their earlier encounter this season, where they secured an impressive 3-1 victory over Al Ittihad at the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium. This result highlighted their capability to cause upsets and will serve as a motivational factor heading into Thursday’s clash.
Key Players to Watch
For Al Ittihad, all eyes will be on N'golo Kante. The Frenchman’s ability to control the midfield and create opportunities will be vital for the hosts. Additionally, Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti, who scored in their last match, will be looking to add to his tally and help his team secure all three points.
Damac’s hopes will rest on the shoulders of Fashion Sakala. His recent goal-scoring form has been a rare positive for the team, and his ability to find the back of the net could be the difference in a tight contest. Ramzi Solan, who scored the equalizer against Al Fayha, will also be crucial in their attacking play.
Tactical Battle
Tactically, Marcelo Gallardo’s Al Ittihad will likely dominate possession and look to control the game from the midfield, leveraging Kante’s strengths. They will need to be wary of Damac’s counter-attacking threats, particularly through Sakala’s pace and finishing ability.
Cosmin Contra’s Damac are expected to adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on defensive solidity and quick transitions. If they can frustrate Al Ittihad and exploit gaps on the counter, they could spring a surprise, just as they did in their previous meeting.
Final Thoughts
As the penultimate gameweek unfolds, this match between Al Ittihad and Damac promises to be a fascinating contest. While Al Ittihad are the favourites on paper, their inconsistent form and injury troubles mean that Damac have a genuine chance to cause an upset. Both teams have motivations to finish the season strongly, and this encounter is set to provide plenty of drama and excitement.
Fans can expect a closely fought battle at the Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium as both sides look to end their seasons on a positive note. Whether Al Ittihad can overcome their struggles or Damac can secure a memorable victory remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this match will be one to watch.
