Al Riyadh vs Al Ittihad – News and Probable Lineups

Al-Riyadh is poised for another significant challenge in their quest to avoid relegation when they take on Al-Ittihad this Friday evening at the Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Stadium in the Saudi Pro League.

While the hosts find themselves in a tense relegation struggle near the bottom of the standings, the Tigers are determined to bolster their position in the upper half and keep their hopes for international qualification alive.

Match overview

Al-Riyadh is enduring a tough season and currently finds itself entrenched in the relegation battle as the Saudi Pro League season approaches its critical juncture.

After earning promotion to the Saudi Pro League for the 2023/24 season, the hosts have struggled to maintain their position, facing a genuine threat to their top-flight status.

Currently, they sit in 16th place with merely 16 points from 25 matches, having secured just three victories, seven draws, and 15 losses in a campaign marked by turbulence.

Defensive shortcomings have proved particularly damaging, as they have conceded 48 goals — the third-worst record in the league — while managing only 22 at the other end.

Recent performances have intensified pressure, with Al-Riyadh managing only one victory, one draw, and three losses in their last five fixtures across all competitions.

In their last outing, they suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Damac, stirring increased concerns about the possibility of rejoining the Saudi First Division League.

Head coach Mauricio Dulac faces the challenging task of lifting the team from the relegation zone, although his tactical changes have yet to yield the necessary results.

Al-Riyadh also struggles to turn their home ground into a fortress, with a record of two wins, four draws, and six defeats at the Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Stadium.

In contrast, Al-Ittihad comes into this match in a considerably stronger position, sitting sixth in the standings with 42 points from 25 matches.

This season, the Tigers have accumulated 12 wins, six draws, and seven losses, scoring 40 goals while allowing 31.

Although their pursuit of the title may have dimmed, the Jeddah-based club remains firmly in the hunt for a strong finish and possible continental competition qualification.

Their recent form has been consistent, with two wins, two draws, and one loss during their last five matches.

However, they faced a setback in their most recent fixture, losing 3-1 to rivals Al-Ahli, and will be eager to bounce back swiftly.

Sergio Conceicao’s team has also demonstrated resilience on the road, recording four wins, six draws, and three losses this season.

The recent encounters heavily favor Al-Ittihad, who have triumphed in each of the last 10 matches against Al-Riyadh, including a 2-1 victory in the earlier meeting this season.

Team News

Al-Riyadh is not currently facing significant injury issues, which means Dulac is likely to have the majority of his squad available for selection.

Milan Borjan is anticipated to continue as the goalkeeper, joined in defense by Mohammed Al-Khaibari, Yoann Barbet, Abdulelah Al-Khaibari, and Osama Al-Bawardi.

Victor Lekhal and Ahmed Al-Siyahi may anchor the midfield, while Toze could take on a more advanced position.

Leandro Antunes, who netted the club’s most recent goal, is likely to spearhead the attack, with Teddy Okou and Enes Sali providing additional support.

Al-Ittihad, on the other hand, may be without Awad Al-Nashri, who is considered a doubt due to a muscle injury.

Saad Al-Mousa will also be absent as he recovers from an ankle issue.

Danilo Pereira is expected to be a key presence in defense, partnering with Ahmed Sharahili, while Predrag Rajkovic should remain in goal.

Fabinho and Mahamadou Doumbia are likely to be the midfield anchors, allowing Houssem Aouar to take on a more offensive role.

Youssef En-Nesyri is set to lead the line as he looks to regain his scoring form, having netted just once in the league since his arrival in February.

Al Riyadh probable starting XI:

Borjan; Al-Khaibari, Barbet, Al-Khaibari, Al-Bawardi; Lekhal, Al-Siyahi; Sali, Toze, Okou; Antunes

Al Ittihad probable starting XI:

Rajkovic; Al-Shanqeeti, Pereira, Sharahili, Kadesh; Doumbia, Fabinho; Diaby, Aouar, Bergwijn; En-Nesyri

While Al-Riyadh is eager for points to aid in their quest for survival, their ongoing defensive challenges and inconsistent form make this a formidable task.

Al-Ittihad possesses greater quality and experience in pivotal areas, making it likely for the Tigers to score twice and secure all three points.