Al Hazem vs Al Ittihad – News and Probable Lineups

On Tuesday evening, Al-Hazem will welcome Al-Ittihad to Al Hazem Club Stadium as both teams aim to enhance their positions in the Saudi Pro League table.

The home side currently occupies the lower section of the standings, while Al-Ittihad is vying for a top-four finish as the match approaches.

Match overview

Al-Hazem has faced a challenging season, finding themselves in 12th place with 24 points accumulated over 22 matches.

The Lions of Al-Rass have secured merely six victories, coupled with six draws and 10 losses, with their goal tally reflecting their issues both offensively and defensively at 22 scored and 42 allowed.

Particularly concerning has been their home performance, as they have managed only three wins in 10 games, alongside one draw and six defeats, which leaves them vulnerable ahead of this match.

Jalel Kadri’s team comes into this clash following a significant 4-0 loss to Al-Nassr, which highlighted their defensive frailties once again.

The hosts have struggled to maintain consistent form, having managed just one victory in their last five league encounters, alongside one draw and three defeats.

This recent trend has intensified pressure on the squad, and enhancing their defensive stability will be crucial to successfully contest with a team of Al-Ittihad’s caliber.

Conversely, Al-Ittihad has had a more stable season, currently positioned sixth in the table with 38 points from their 22 matches.

The Tigers have achieved 11 wins, five draws, and six defeats, netting 37 goals while conceding 27, indicating a relatively balanced strategy.

Their away performances have been a notable strength, with four wins, five draws, and only two losses on the road, rendering them a challenging opponent on their travels.

In their last fixture, Al-Ittihad managed to secure a 1-1 draw against title contenders Al-Hilal, showcasing their capability to challenge top sides.

Recent performances have been promising, as they have recorded three wins, one draw, and one defeat in their last five outings, suggesting they are gaining momentum.

Despite experiencing some inconsistencies during the season, Sergio Conceicao’s squad still possesses considerable attacking prowess and will see this match as a chance to secure maximum points against a struggling rival.

The historical record between the two teams also leans in favor of the visitors, with Al-Ittihad emerging victorious in three of the last five encounters, while the other two have ended in draws, the most recent being a 3-2 win for Al-Ittihad.

Team News

Al-Hazem is anticipated to implement a back three, consisting of Sultan Tanker, Abdurahman Al-Dakheel, and Mohammed Al-Yami forming the defense.

In the midfield, Aboubacar Bah and Lorientz Rosier are likely to play pivotal roles, offering defensive support and facilitating ball movement.

Omar Al-Somah is expected to spearhead the attack for the hosts, with Nawaf Al-Habshi partnering him in offense.

On the other hand, Al-Ittihad will be without Hassan Kadesh, who is serving a suspension due to his red card against Al-Hilal.

Abdulrahman Al-Obood remains uncertain because of a muscle injury, while Faisal Al-Ghamdi is also dealing with a hamstring issue.

Saad Al-Mousa is still out with an ankle injury and is not expected to make a return until early March.

Danilo Pereira is likely to feature in central defense, with Predrag Rajkovic set to start in goal.

In the midfield, Fabinho, Houssem Aouar, and Mahamadou Doumbia are projected to control the game, while Youssef En-Nesyri will lead the attack, supported by Moussa Diaby and Roger Fernandes.

Al Hazem probable starting XI:

Zaid; Al-Dakheel, Tanker, Al-Yami; Al-Harbi, Bah, Rosier, Al-Shamrani; Al-Duwaihi; Al-Somah, Al-Habshi

Al Ittihad probable starting XI:

Rajkovic; Mitaj, Pereira, Sharahili, Al-Shanqeeti; Fabinho, Aouar, Doumbia; Diaby, En-Nesyri, Fernandez

Given Al-Hazem’s defensive concerns, particularly on their home ground, they may be susceptible to a side like Al-Ittihad, who possesses attacking quality.

While the home team may carve out chances, the visitors’ superior structure and composure during crucial moments should be sufficient to secure all three points.