Al Ittihad vs Damac – News and Probable Lineups

Damac have the opportunity to enhance their chances for survival in the Saudi Pro League with a victory against hosts Al Ittihad at Al-Faisal Stadium on Sunday.

Currently sitting fourth from last in 15th place with 26 points, Damac is just three points clear of the relegation zone with three fixtures remaining. In contrast, Al Ittihad occupies sixth place with 49 points, having missed out on ACF Champions League qualification.

Match overview

The home team was held to a scoreless draw against Al Kholood on Monday, failing to capitalize on any of their five key opportunities.

Head coach Sergio Conceicao’s squad has experienced a lackluster season after winning the title in 2024-25 with a total of 83 points. The most they can achieve in the current 2025-26 season is 62 points.

The Tigers have faced challenges in the attacking end, netting one goal or fewer in seven out of their last nine matches, making them the lowest scoring team among the top six (47 goals).

Al Ittihad’s draw with Al Kholood indicates they have only earned seven points from their last 18 available, suffering four losses and allowing three or more goals on three occasions.

Despite a generally positive home record this season with five wins from their last seven games at Al-Faisal Stadium, the hosts are currently winless in two home matches.

Damac fell to a 2-0 defeat against Al Khaleej on May 2, marking their second consecutive loss and their third defeat in five Saudi Pro League encounters.

The Knight of the South have failed to find the net in three of those games, while also conceding seven goals across that period.

Although the club has a three-point cushion over 16th-placed Al Riyadh, they have a daunting match against league leaders Al Nassr in matchweek 34, leaving them in a precarious position regarding relegation.

During their last meeting on January 13, the teams ended in a 1-1 draw, and both teams secured two wins apiece in their previous four encounters.

A defeat for manager Fabio Carille would mean the team has lost three consecutive away matches, totaling six losses in their past eight outings on the road.

Team News

Al Ittihad’s goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic is expected to be shielded by center-backs Ahmed Mohammed Sharahili and Hasan Kadesh, both of whom started against Al Kholood.

Midfielders Awad Al Nashri and Danilo Pereira were relied upon last time, and their defensive skills may be crucial this Sunday.

Striker En-Nesyri has found the back of the net just once in his last four appearances for the club and will need to improve his scoring record if his team hopes to return to winning form.

For Damac, they might utilize wide attackers David Kaiki and Jonathan Okita flanking center-forward Arielson, who is aiming for his second goal of the league season.

Morlaye Sylla, Tariq Mohammed, and Valentin Vada could form a trio ahead of center-backs Jamal Harkass and Abdelkader Bedrane.

Al Ittihad probable starting XI:

Rajkovic; Simic, Sharahili, Kadesh, Mitaj; Al Nashri, Danilo; Al-Julaydan, Aouar, Bergwijn; En-Nesyri

Damac probable starting XI:

Kevin; Al-Hawsawi, Harkass, Bedrane, Al Obaid; Sylla, Mohammed, Vada; Kaiki, Arielson, and Okita