The Matchday 16 clash in the Saudi Pro League between Al-Ittihad and Al-Shabab will take place on January 22 at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Shabab: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Predicted lineups for Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Shabab
Al-Ittihad (4-2-3-1): Marcelo Grohe – Ahmed Hegazi, Ziyad Al-Sahafi, Saud Abdulhamid, Abdulrahman Al-Obud – Karim El Ahmadi, Romarinho – Fahad Al-Muwallad, Igor Coronado, Abdulaziz Al-Bishi – Abderrazak Hamdallah.
Al-Shabab (4-4-2): Farouk Ben Mustapha – Hassan Muath, Igor Lichnovsky, Mohammed Salem, Fawaz Al-Sagour – Nasser Al-Dawsari, Ever Banega, Alfred N'Diaye, Turki Al-Ammar – Carlos Junior, Odion Ighalo.
Al-Ittihad
In their last league outing, Al-Ittihad secured a 2-0 victory over Al-Fateh, extending their unbeaten streak to six matches (4 wins, 2 draws). The team has been solid defensively, conceding only three goals in this period. Al-Ittihad is currently leading the league standings and is determined to maintain their position at the top.
- Al-Ittihad has not lost in regular time in their last 9 home matches in the Saudi Pro League (7 wins, 2 draws).
- The team has kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 home games in this tournament.
- Al-Ittihad has scored at least two goals in 6 of their last 8 home matches in the league.
Al-Shabab
Al-Shabab comes into this match following a 3-1 win against Al-Taawoun, which marked their third consecutive victory in the league. The team has been prolific in front of goal, scoring eight times in their last three matches. Al-Shabab is currently in third place, trailing the leaders by five points.
- Al-Shabab has not won in regular time in their last 4 away matches in the Saudi Pro League (2 draws, 2 losses).
- The team has scored at least two goals in 5 of their last 6 matches in the league.
- At least one of the opponents failed to score in regular time in 4 of Al-Shabab's last 6 away matches in the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Shabab: Match Prediction
Al-Ittihad has been formidable at home, and their defensive solidity will be crucial against an attacking Al-Shabab side. While Al-Ittihad aims to extend their lead at the top, Al-Shabab will be eager to close the gap. This match promises to be a tightly contested affair.
My prediction: Total under 3.5 goals
