Al-Shabab Vs Al-Ittihad

Al Ittihad, currently locked in a fierce two-horse title race with Al Hilal, will be facing Al Shabab this Wednesday in Round 16 of the Saudi Pro League at King Abdullah Sports City. Both teams are vying for the top spot, with Al Ittihad hoping to keep pace with the league leaders while simultaneously distancing themselves from third-place Al Quadisiya, who are nine points behind. The stakes are high as the hosts aim to extend their dominance in front of their home crowd, maintaining their pursuit of the championship.

This season has been a significant rebound for Al Ittihad, who failed to match the brilliance of their 2022–2023 title-winning campaign, where they finished in a disappointing fifth place. However, under the leadership of head coach Laurent Blanc, appointed in July of the previous year after the dismissal of Marcelo Gallardo, the team has found its rhythm and is now in the hunt for another league title. Blanc’s impact has been undeniable, guiding the team to a remarkable series of performances in the 2024–2025 season, reinvigorating the squad and reigniting their championship aspirations.

Al Ittihad’s campaign this season has been defined by consistency and resilience. With 40 points from 18 matches, they are tied with Al Hilal at the top of the table, though they are separated by a slender goal difference. Their defense has been resolute, conceding only 11 goals, which is the joint-lowest in the league. Their attacking force has also been potent, scoring 37 goals—putting them as the second-highest scorers in the competition. They have proven to be formidable on both ends of the pitch, which has been a key factor in their strong position. 

A closer look at their record reveals just how impressive their campaign has been so far. They have only failed to win in regulation time in three of their 18 matches across all competitions. One of these setbacks came in a 2-2 draw against Al Hilal in the King Cup, where Al Ittihad eventually triumphed in a penalty shootout. The other two dropped points were in league play—a 3-1 loss to Al Hilal in September and a 1-1 draw against Al Fayha, a result that temporarily allowed the reigning champions to leapfrog them in the standings. Despite these minor blips, the team responded admirably, bouncing back with a dominant 4-1 victory over Al Raed, which secured their 13th win in 15 Pro League matches.

Al Ittihad’s home form has been nothing short of extraordinary. They have won every match they’ve played at home this season, with a perfect record across all competitions. In the Pro League alone, they have won all eight of their home fixtures, making King Abdullah Sports City a fortress. This outstanding home form has been a significant factor in their rise to the top of the table and will be crucial as they continue their push for the title.

Al Ittihad's remarkable success this season can be attributed to several key factors. The team’s attack has been lethal, and with 25 goals scored on home turf, they boast the second-highest number of goals in front of their own fans in the league. This attacking firepower has been complemented by a solid defensive unit that has kept their opponents at bay, conceding a league-low 11 goals in total. The balance between attack and defense has allowed Al Ittihad to remain a formidable force in the league, and they will need to maintain this level of performance against a challenging Al Shabab side.

Al Shabab, on the other hand, will be aiming to close the gap to the top six as they make the trip to King Abdullah Sports City. Sitting in sixth place with 26 points, Al Shabab is just five points behind the Champions League qualification spots. Despite their lower position in the table, Al Shabab comes into this match with momentum, having won two of their last three matches under the guidance of their new head coach, Fatih Terim. Terim took over on December 27 after the departure of Vitor Pereira, who moved to Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers. Terim's arrival has already had a noticeable impact, and Al Shabab will be hoping that his leadership can help propel them into the upper echelons of the league.

One of Al Shabab’s most recent triumphs came in a dramatic 2-1 victory over Al Riyadh in the Riyadh derby, which saw them stage a comeback after going behind. This victory, combined with their solid performances under Terim, has given the team belief heading into this challenging fixture. However, their away form has been a concern, and they will need to improve if they are to challenge the league’s top teams. Terim’s main objective in this match will be to secure his first away victory as manager, which would be a significant milestone for him and the club.

Al Shabab’s defense has been one of their stronger points this season. They have conceded the joint-fewest away goals in the league, with just five goals allowed in their seven away fixtures. This impressive defensive record will be tested to the fullest against an Al Ittihad side that has been so potent in attack. If Al Shabab is to pull off a positive result, their defense will need to withstand the pressure from Al Ittihad's potent attacking trio, who have been exceptional on home turf.

Despite their solid defensive record, Al Shabab will be aware of the challenge they face in dealing with Al Ittihad’s offensive firepower. With the likes of Moussa Diaby, who has been in scintillating form this season, Al Ittihad's attack is capable of breaking down even the most resolute defenses. In particular, Al Ittihad’s home form has been an area where they have excelled, and Al Shabab will need to be at their best to prevent the hosts from extending their perfect record.

Al Shabab’s recent victories have shown that they are capable of causing problems for top teams, and their recent success against Al Ittihad is noteworthy. Last season, Al Shabab won both of their encounters against Al Ittihad, with a 1-0 victory at home and a 3-1 triumph away. This gives them confidence heading into Wednesday’s match, although they will know that Al Ittihad has grown stronger since those encounters, particularly with the addition of Blanc as head coach.

In terms of squad depth and individual talent, both teams are well-matched. Al Ittihad has a more balanced squad with a blend of experience and youth, while Al Shabab will rely on their key players to step up. The attacking duo of Al Ittihad, with Diaby and his teammates, will need to break down Al Shabab’s defense, while the visitors will look to exploit any weaknesses in Al Ittihad’s backline. Al Shabab will also need to be wary of the physicality and quick counter-attacking play that Al Ittihad often employs to catch opponents off guard.

Al Shabab's hopes of securing a positive result in this match will depend on their ability to control the game and limit the attacking threats posed by Al Ittihad. Terim’s experience will be crucial in setting up the team for a disciplined and organized defensive performance. If they can stifle Al Ittihad's attack and capitalize on any opportunities to break forward, they might be able to leave King Abdullah Sports City with a valuable point or even a surprise victory.

In conclusion, Wednesday's match between Al Ittihad and Al Shabab promises to be an exciting and crucial fixture in the Saudi Pro League title race. With Al Ittihad looking to extend their perfect home record and keep pace with Al Hilal at the top, while Al Shabab aims to push for a spot in the top six, the match will be a test of both teams' strength, resilience, and tactical discipline. For Al Ittihad, the key will be continuing their impressive form, both offensively and defensively, while Al Shabab will need to rely on their defensive solidity and capitalize on any mistakes made by their hosts. The outcome of this match could have significant ramifications for the league standings and set the tone for the remainder of the season.