Al-Khaleej Vs Al-Ittihad

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On Thursday afternoon, the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium will host a crucial clash between two sides eager to halt their poor runs in the Saudi Pro League. Al Khaleej will welcome Al Ittihad in a match that could significantly impact their standings as the season draws to a close. Both teams enter this fixture on the back of weekend defeats, with Al Khaleej sitting in 11th place and Al Ittihad in 5th, each having only three games left to improve their fortunes.

Match Preview

For Al Khaleej, the 2023-24 campaign has been a step forward, despite their current struggles. Last season saw them narrowly avoid relegation, battling until the final day to secure their top-flight status. This season, they are still not entirely safe but have shown improvement by surpassing their previous season’s point tally by five points. With an eight-point cushion above the relegation zone, they need just one more point from their remaining matches to guarantee safety.

However, Pedro Emanuel’s side is not in the best form heading into this match. Their recent 2-0 defeat to Al Wehda marked their 13th loss of the season and extended their winless streak to six games. Their home form has been particularly concerning, with no wins in Dammam since February. Adding to their woes, Nigerian international Odion Ighalo’s brace in the last match underscored their defensive vulnerabilities, as he had previously scored a hat-trick against them in November.

Al Khaleej’s Struggle to End Winless Streak

Al Khaleej's home record this year has been dismal, and they are desperate to end this drought. Historically, they have struggled against Al Ittihad, failing to secure a win in their last seven league meetings, which include five losses and two draws. The reverse fixture in November saw them fall 4-2, highlighting the challenges they face against stronger opposition.

Al Ittihad’s Recent Turmoil

Al Ittihad, on the other hand, are coming off a particularly rough week. Their 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Al Ettifaq not only ended their title hopes but also marked their heaviest defeat since the 2015-16 season. Injuries have plagued the squad, forcing them to play with a heavily depleted lineup. Notably, only two of their foreign professionals, Romarinho and N’Golo Kante, were available for selection.

Adding to their troubles, the club has parted ways with manager Marcelo Gallardo by mutual decision, amidst speculation about his potential move to AC Milan. This managerial upheaval comes at a crucial juncture, as Al Ittihad are on a four-match losing streak in all competitions. Their away form has also dipped significantly, with just three wins in their last ten games on the road after an impressive start to the season.

Key Players to Watch

For Al Khaleej, the focus will be on their ability to defend against a typically strong Al Ittihad attack, despite the visitors' recent struggles. Key players like Firas Al-Buraikan, who has been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season, will need to step up. His ability to create and convert chances could be pivotal in breaking their winless streak.

Al Ittihad will rely heavily on the experience and talent of Romarinho and N’Golo Kante. Romarinho’s attacking prowess and Kante’s midfield dominance could be crucial in turning their form around. Additionally, the return of some injured players might bolster their squad depth, providing much-needed resilience and creativity.

Tactical Battle

Pedro Emanuel will likely adopt a cautious approach, focusing on defensive solidity and counter-attacks. Al Khaleej's strategy will revolve around frustrating Al Ittihad’s attack and exploiting spaces on the break. Given their recent form, a draw might be seen as a positive result for the hosts.

Al Ittihad, under interim management, might stick to their usual attacking style but with added emphasis on tightening their defense, which has been porous in recent matches. The return of key players could allow them to regain their fluid attacking play, but they must remain wary of Al Khaleej’s counter-attacks.

Predictions and Expectations

Both teams are under immense pressure to end their poor runs. For Al Khaleej, securing at least a point would be crucial in guaranteeing their safety and lifting the morale of their supporters. For Al Ittihad, a victory is essential not only to maintain their position in the top half of the table but also to restore confidence after a series of disappointing results.

Given the stakes and the recent form of both sides, this match promises to be a tightly contested affair. Al Khaleej's home advantage might be offset by their poor record in recent months, while Al Ittihad’s superior squad depth could give them the edge, provided they manage to recover from their injury crisis.

Conclusion

As Al Khaleej and Al Ittihad prepare to face off, both teams will be eager to turn their fortunes around. The clash at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium offers a chance for redemption and an opportunity to end the season on a high note. Fans can expect a gripping encounter, with each side vying desperately for the points needed to achieve their respective goals.