Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq Prediction: 16.01.2026 Saudi Pro League 2025/26 Preview

As the Saudi Pro League resumes regular season action, Al Ittihad host Al Ettifaq at the dynamic King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. Both teams find themselves inside the league’s competitive top half, with Al Ittihad aiming to solidify their title credentials, while Al Ettifaq look to bridge the gap and push further up the table. In a fixture that has historically favoured Al Ittihad, there’s extra intrigue this time, with recent squad improvements and tactical tweaks from both sides.

Karim Benzema spearheads Al Ittihad’s frontline with confidence, having netted three goals in his last five appearances, proving his ongoing class and instinct inside the box. For Al Ettifaq, Georginio Wijnaldum stands out – his five-goal haul in the last five games, from midfield, demonstrates both his sharpness and leadership under pressure.

A hot stat heading into this match: Al Ittihad have managed an impressive unbeaten streak of six matches in the last 30 days (five wins and one draw), showcasing their current consistency and resilience at a busy stage of the season.

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Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq prediction

Given the quality, recent form, and depth in both squads, the most valuable prediction is to back Al Ittihad with an Asian Handicap of -1. They are not only strong at home but possess superior attacking options and tactical fluidity under Sérgio Conceição. Al Ettifaq, while improved, remain inconsistent defensively and have conceded 25 goals already this season—an area Al Ittihad’s offensive assets can exploit.

Al Ittihad average an impressive 65 fouls and only four yellow cards across the last five games, indicating controlled aggression and a solid disciplinary record. Their average ball possession is bolstered by high total passes (2,832), and a pass accuracy of 89 percent highlights their calm approach in buildup play. Al Ettifaq, by contrast, have seen more disciplinary issues (eight yellow cards) and lower pass accuracy (85 percent), but make up for it with higher interceptions.

This stylistic clash—Al Ittihad’s technical and disciplined game against Al Ettifaq’s more disruptive approach—suggests a match where the hosts will dictate tempo, while the visitors look to capitalise on turnovers. Expect Al Ittihad to control possession and territory, which should translate into tangible attacking opportunities, especially with their clearly superior chance creation and set-piece threat (47 corners in the last five matches).

Team Analysis

Al Ittihad come into this contest off the back of a 1-1 draw with Damac—a match that showcased their resilience but also a rare lapse in converting chances, despite the lopsided shot and corner statistics. Prior to this, their 4-0 shutout of Al Kholood and hard-fought victories over Al Taawoun and Neom SC highlight their continued attacking depth, rotation flexibility, and backline stability. Benzema remains the danger man, but Steven Bergwijn and Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti have also been productive with crucial recent goals.

Al Ettifaq recently faced Al Khaleej, falling 2-1 in a match marked by defensive lapses and ill-discipline (high yellow card count and more fouls committed). However, wins over Al Najma and Al Akhdoud showcased their capacity to score from midfield, thanks largely to Wijnaldum’s timely runs and Francisco Calvo’s threat on set pieces. Still, inconsistency, especially away from home, remains a concern—something coach Saad Al-Shehri will need to address if they are to upset the hosts.

Most recent Head-to-Head Matches

🚨Read our full Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq stats for more analysis.

Pre-game odds and win probability: Al Ittihad the favourite

• Moneyline Al Ittihad 1.30 | Al Ettifaq 7.00
• Draw 5.00–5.10
• Over/Under Over 2.5 1.75 | Under 2.5 2.00
• BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.88 | No 1.85

The bookmakers’ odds reflect Al Ittihad’s dominance both historically and in current form, positioning them as strong favourites (69 percent win probability). Al Ettifaq are big outsiders at 13 percent, while the market sees value in goals—over 2.5 goals and both teams to score are both at enticing and realistic prices considering both teams’ recent attacking output and defensive vulnerabilities.

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Possible Starting Lineups

Al Ittihad possible starting eleven

• GK: Predrag Rajković
• DF: Danilo Pereira, Ahmed Sharahili, Hassan Kadesh, Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti
• MF: N’Golo Kanté, Fabinho, Moussa Diaby, Steven Bergwijn, Roger Fernandes
• FW: Karim Benzema

Al Ittihad are likely to stick with their successful 4-2-3-1 setup, anchored by Rajković in goal and a defensive line featuring experience and energy. Kanté and Fabinho offer elite control and ball winning, while the creative trio behind Benzema have chipped in with goals and assists. Benzema’s form and Bergwijn’s dynamic wing play make them players to watch in this lineup.

Al Ettifaq possible starting eleven

• GK: Marek Rodák
• DF: Jack Hendry, Abdallah Al-Khateeb, Francisco Calvo, Abdulbaset Al-Hindi
• MF: Georginio Wijnaldum, Ondrej Duda, Álvaro Medrán, Mukhtar Ali
• FW: Moussa Dembélé, Khalid Al-Ghannam

Al Ettifaq are also expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation. The backline is led by Jack Hendry and the versatile Francisco Calvo, while Wijnaldum and Duda will be pivotal in midfield transitions. Up front, Dembélé’s sharp movement and finishing, supported by Medrán’s passing vision, are key. Wijnaldum stands out as the danger man after his recent goal spree from midfield.

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My take on the Match

My main pick is Al Ittihad to win by at least two goals—reflecting both their dominant home record and broader squad depth. Expect Benzema and Bergwijn to continue their excellent partnership, with Al Ettifaq likely to cause problems on the break but struggle for consistent control. This has the makings of an open, entertaining match where the hosts’ clinical edge should shine through, reinforcing their top-six ambitions in the Saudi Pro League.

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