Liam Duckstein
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Al Ittihad sit seventh in the early Saudi Pro League 2026/27 standings after two games, already trailing the top sides who have made perfect starts. A home win against Al-Hazem would push them to within touching distance of that leading pack. The visitors, meanwhile, arrive in Jeddah off a 0-1 loss to Al Diriyah, a result that will sting given how winnable that fixture looked on paper. What makes this tie interesting is that the last time these two met at this venue, Ittihad scraped through 1-0, and Al-Hazem will be motivated to prove that result was no true reflection of the gap between these clubs.
Two players to watch: Steven Bergwijn has two goals and an assist in his last four appearances for Al Ittihad and carries a constant threat in behind. For Al-Hazem, Afimico Pululu leads their attack with two goals from three games and has been their most direct outlet in transition.
The hot stat from recent matches: Al Ittihad scored nine goals across their last five games while conceding just once from open play, a rate of output that puts real pressure on any visiting side.
| 🏆 Tournament: | Saudi Pro League 2026/27, Regular Season |
| 🏟 Venue: | King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium, Jeddah |
| 🗓️ Date: | 24.08.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 20:00 CEST |
Al Ittihad vs Al-Hazem Prediction
Al Ittihad are the clear pick to win this match at home. They have won four of their last seven games, their only defeat in that run came against stronger opposition, and at King Abdullah Sports City they look a different proposition. The 4-1-4-1 shape under Jens Wissing gives them attacking width through Bergwijn and George Ilenikhena, with Houssem Aouar and Dion Lopy providing the engine in midfield. Al-Hazem have scored in each of their last three games, but their defensive structure has been unreliable, and a trip to Jeddah is a tough ask at the best of times.
Al Ittihad commit fewer fouls than Al-Hazem across recent matches, 32 compared to 39, and their pass accuracy of 957 completed passes from 1,135 attempts is noticeably sharper than Al-Hazem’s 882 from 1,085. Al-Hazem have picked up 10 yellow cards in five games, double the rate of their opponents, which suggests their defensive discipline under pressure tends to break down. That pattern could open up space for Ittihad’s forwards as the game progresses. We predict Al Ittihad to win this match with goals coming from both sides, making BTTS Yes a live option given Al-Hazem’s recent scoring form.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Al Ittihad to win and both teams to score |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Al Ittihad have been in solid form over the past month, winning four and drawing two of their last seven fixtures. Their most recent league game was a 1-0 win over Al Qadsiah, a tight but controlled performance that showed their defensive discipline. Before that they dismantled Al Jazira 4-1 in a match where Ilenikhena was particularly sharp, and they drew 1-1 with Al Kholood in a game that probably should have been a win. The squad carries genuine quality across the pitch, and with two red cards accumulated in five games, there is a slight risk of disciplinary disruption, but their overall structure remains compact.
Al-Hazem arrive here in inconsistent form. They beat Al Bukayriyah 3-2 and Abha 2-1 in back-to-back games, which looked like a turning point, but their most recent outing ended in a 0-1 defeat to Al Diriyah, a side ranked far below them on paper. That loss to a club rated 24,691 in the world rankings is a red flag. Their 2-2 draw with Esperance Tunis earlier in the summer showed they can mix it with better opposition, but the Al Diriyah result raises questions about their concentration and consistency away from home.
🚨Check out our dedicated Al Ittihad vs Al-Hazem stats page for more info.
Pre-game Odds and Win Probability: Al Ittihad the Favourite
- Moneyline Al Ittihad 1.55 | Al-Hazem 4.67
- Draw 4.70
- Over/Under Over 2.5 — | Under 2.5 —
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes — | No —
The moneyline odds around 1.55 for Al Ittihad reflect a team expected to win comfortably at home, and the 61% average bookmaker probability backs that up. The draw at 4.70 is priced correctly given Ittihad’s home record and Al-Hazem’s recent away struggles. Al-Hazem at 4.67 to 5.00 depending on the book represents the kind of price you take only if you believe their attacking form can cause a real upset, and to be honest, the evidence for that is thin. We lean toward backing Ittihad on the moneyline, with the over 2.5 goals market looking appealing given both sides have shown they can score in recent weeks.
Possible Starting Lineups
Al Ittihad Possible Starting Eleven
- GK: Predrag Rajković
- DF: Hassan Kadesh, Danilo Pereira, Stephane Keller, Faris Abdi
- MF: Dion Lopy, Houssem Aouar, Marwan Al-Sahafi, Farhah Al-Shamrani
- MF: Ahmed Al Julaydan
- FW: Steven Bergwijn
Rajković has been their first-choice keeper, making 17 saves across four matches, and he will be key if Al-Hazem find pockets of space on the break. Danilo Pereira adds a goal threat from deep, having scored once in three appearances. The 4-1-4-1 shape suits this squad well, with Lopy and Aouar providing cover and creativity in equal measure. Bergwijn leads the line but Ilenikhena and Youssef En-Nesyri are strong options off the bench. Bergwijn is the one to watch in the final third.
Al-Hazem Possible Starting Eleven
- GK: Ibrahim Zaied
- DF: Abdurahman Al-Dakheel, Saud Al-Rashid, Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida, Ayman Al-Hujaili
- MF: Mory Konate, Bonheur Mugisha, Aboubacar Bah, Ahmed Al-Shamrani
- MF: Abdulaziz Al-Dwehe
- FW: Afimico Pululu
Jalel Kadri is likely to set up in a 4-4-2 shape, with Ahmed Al-Shamrani pulling strings in midfield after recording two assists in three games. Pululu leads the attack and has shown a willingness to shoot, with 11 free kicks taken and two goals already this campaign. Abdurahman Al-Dakheel has been solid at the back but has picked up two yellow cards in three games, which is a concern in a match where Al-Hazem will need to stay organised. Sofiane Bendebka offers creativity from wide areas and could be a factor if Al-Hazem get forward.
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Al-Hazem. Source: Official Instagram. Edited photo
TipsGG Match Prediction
Al Ittihad are the stronger side by most measurable indicators. Their pass accuracy is higher, their foul count is lower, and they have produced 44 total shots in five games compared to Al-Hazem’s 27. At home in Jeddah, against a visiting side that just lost to Al Diriyah, the case for backing Ittihad is straightforward. We predict Al Ittihad to win 2-1, with Al-Hazem snatching a goal through Pululu or a set piece but ultimately unable to contain Bergwijn and the hosts’ midfield quality across 90 minutes. The BTTS Yes and Over 2.5 goals markets both carry value at the available prices.
