Al Ittihad vs Al Kholood – News and Probable Lineups

Al Ittihad will aim to capitalize on their recent resurgence in form as they take on Al Kholood at the King Abdullah Sports City on Monday evening in the Saudi Pro League.

The home team comes into this match after a 2-0 victory against Al Taawoun, while the guests are battling to secure their place in the top division as the season approaches its climax.

Match overview

Head Coach Sergio Conceicao’s squad enters Monday’s match with boosted morale, sitting sixth in the Saudi Pro League standings with 48 points earned from 14 wins, six draws, and nine losses.

Goals from Houssem Aouar and Youssef En-Nesyri ensured a 2-0 victory over Al Taawoun in their last match, moving Al Ittihad just a point behind fifth-placed Al Taawoun.

Having won three of their past five matches in all competitions, the team appears to be gaining momentum, although two losses during the same stretch highlight the ongoing struggle for consistency for the side that clinched the Saudi Pro League title last season.

At home, Al Ittihad’s record has been inconsistent, with nine wins and five losses, suggesting that the visitors may harbor some hope as they head to Jeddah for this encounter.

Being the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, Conceicao’s group was anticipated to defend their title, but that dream has evaporated, leaving the focus on finishing the season on a high note.

In contrast, Al Kholood finds themselves in a much more vulnerable situation, currently positioned 14th in the league with 30 points from nine wins, three draws, and 18 losses—just seven points clear of the relegation zone as the season nears its end.

Their latest match concluded in a 1-1 draw against Al-Fayha, with the visitors conceding first in the 30th minute but equalizing through Iker Kortajarena’s goal before halftime.

Al Kholood has managed to lose only one of their past five matches across all tournaments, including a stunning win over Al Ittihad, where they knocked the hosts out of the King’s Cup of Champions in the semi-finals via penalties in March.

This victory will provide Al Kholood with significant confidence as they approach Monday’s match. While a mid-table finish—similar to last season’s ninth place—seems out of reach, avoiding relegation remains their top priority, with every point crucial.

Al Ittihad has enjoyed success in their previous five league encounters with Al Kholood, but Conceicao is likely aware that their opponents come with the psychological advantage from that recent cup victory and must be treated with caution.

Team News

Saad Al Mousa remains a doubt for Monday’s match, having not played since November 2025, and is unlikely to feature in this fixture.

Hassan Kadesh and Ahmed Sharahili are expected to form the core of the central defense, while Fabinho and Awad Al Nashri are set to occupy midfield roles.

Aouar, who scored his fifth league goal of the season against Al Taawoun, is anticipated to start in an advanced midfield position alongside Steven Bergwijn, while En-Nesyri will likely lead the attack once again after finding the net last time out.

Al Kholood arrives at the fixture with no injury issues, providing Des Buckingham with a full roster to choose from for the trip to Jeddah.

Norbert Gyombér, Edgaras Utkus, Shaquille Pinas, and Sultan Al-Shehri are projected to complete the back four, with Kortajarena, Kevin N’Doram, and John Buckley anticipated to function in midfield.

Guga and Hattan Bahebri are expected to supply the offensive threat for the visitors as Al Kholood strives to gain momentum and secure critical points away from home.

Al Ittihad probable starting XI:

Rajkovic; Mitaj, Kadesh, Sharahili, Simic; Fabinho, Al Nashri; Bergwijn, Aouar, Fernandes, En-Nesyri

Al Kholood probable starting XI:

Cozzani; Al-Shahri, Pinas, Utkus, Gyomber; Kortajarena, N’Doram, Buckley, Bahebri, Guga, Al-Aliwa

Al Kholood demonstrated resilience in eliminating Al Ittihad from the King’s Cup of Champions and will approach the match in Jeddah with confidence, though the home team poses significantly more danger in open play.

We expect Conceicao’s side to narrowly win a closely contested match and achieve back-to-back league victories at home.