The Saudi Pro League resumes with a compelling clash as Al Kholood host Al Ittihad at King Abdullah Sports City in Buraidah. This matchup brings together a newly-promoted side eager to climb the table and a perennial powerhouse eyeing the title chase. Al Ittihad, managed by Sérgio Conceição and brimming with star talent, are chasing a seventh consecutive victory, while Al Kholood, under Des Buckingham, look to build on their morale-boosting 5-0 victory over Al-Fayha. Watch out for Myziane Maolida, who netted twice in Al Kholood’s last outing, and Steven Bergwijn of Al Ittihad, whose energy and attacking flair are pivotal to the visitors’ relentless offensive momentum. Notably, Al Ittihad have created an astonishing 65 shots over their last five matches, exemplifying their attacking intensity and tactical discipline.
| 🏆 Tournament: | Saudi Pro League 2025/26 Regular Season |
| 🏟 Venue: | King Abdullah Sports City, Buraidah |
| 🗓️ Date: | 09.01.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 19:30 CEST |
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Al Kholood vs Al Ittihad prediction
Given the current form and squad strength, Al Ittihad emerge as clear favorites for this contest. Their six-match winning run is not just a function of their attacking firepower but also their organizational solidity, marshalled in midfield by experienced players like N’Golo Kanté and Fabinho. Al Kholood’s recent emphatic win against Al-Fayha should not be overlooked, but consistency has eluded them—they have lost eight of their last twelve league games. The statistical gulf, especially in attacking metrics like total shots and corners, tilts the balance firmly in favor of the visitors.
Both teams are known for high-energy football: Al Ittihad average more possessions and have taken 34 corners in their last five matches (compared to Al Kholood’s 21), highlighting their ability to maintain pressure. However, their aggression can translate to fouls—Al Ittihad recorded 43 fouls in five matches, Al Kholood 31—suggesting a combative affair. Expect Al Kholood to rely on swift counters and set pieces, while Al Ittihad dictate tempo with confident passing (85 percent accuracy across their midfield).
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Al Ittihad -1.5 Asian Handicap |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 9.5 |
Team Analysis
Al Kholood: Their most recent outing—a 5-0 demolition of Al-Fayha—showcased attacking promise, notably from Myziane Maolida and Ramiro Enrique. However, conceding 22 goals in twelve games and an average of 6 shots per match hints at frailties, especially when faced with cohesive opposition. Their victories tend to come in high-scoring, open games—previously edging Al Khaleej 4-3 but falling to Al Taawoun and Al Hilal with little resistance. Defensive transitions remain a vulnerability, with just 23 interceptions over five matches despite persistent pressing.
Al Ittihad: Sérgio Conceição’s team are the division’s in-form unit, combining technical proficiency with physical robustness. Their latest 1-0 win over third-placed Al Taawoun was a masterclass in game control, with 65 total shots generated in five matches and a near 90 percent pass accuracy among their preferred midfield trio. The team’s defensive discipline is reflected in only two yellow cards over the same stretch and zero red cards. Recent wins against Neom SC (3-1), Al Shabab (2-0), and clean sheets against Nasaf Qarshi and Gulf United underline an ability to close out games efficiently.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Al Kholood | Al Ittihad |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 3 | 5 |
| Total shots | 15 | 24 |
| Free kicks | 21 | 19 |
| Corner kicks | 11 | 13 |
| Total fouls | 23 | 26 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 81 | 87 |
| Interceptions | 14 | 17 |
| Offsides | 3 | 4 |
🚨Read our full Al Kholood vs Al Ittihad stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Al Ittihad the favourite
- Moneyline Al Kholood 7.00 – Al Ittihad 1.39
- Draw 4.70
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.75 – Under 2.5 2.10
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.90 – No 1.85
Al Ittihad are universally priced as short favorites, given their flawless recent form and demonstrably superior squad. A moneyline price near 1.39 signals market confidence in an away win while the 1.75 for Over 2.5 goals directly reflects both teams’ attacking intent and defensive gaps. BTTS odds are nearly even, which aligns with Al Kholood’s sporadic scoring surges and Al Ittihad’s high-probability to net multiple times. Only turnover or complacency are factors that can unseat the favorite.
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Possible Starting Lineups

Al Kholood possible starting eleven
- GK: Juan Cozzani
- DF: Norbert Gyömbér, William Troost-Ekong, Sultan Al Shehri, Shaquille Pinas
- MF: Abdulrahman Al Safari, John Buckley, Majed Khalifah, Abdulrahman Al-Dosari
- FW: Myziane Maolida, Ramiro Enrique
This lineup leans into consistency, using players with high recent minutes and impact. Juan Cozzani is preferred in goal, having featured fully in recent games. Troost-Ekong and Gyömbér anchor the defense, with Pinas and Al Shehri providing width. In midfield, Buckley brings ball retention while Al Safari and Al-Dosari offer transitions and pressing. Key attackers Maolida and Enrique spearhead the strike force in a 4-2-3-1, with Maolida’s scoring touch and Enrique’s movement presenting the biggest threat.

Al Ittihad possible starting eleven
- GK: Predrag Rajković
- DF: Hassan Kadesh, Ahmed Sharahili, Danilo Pereira, Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti
- MF: Fabinho, N’Golo Kanté, Hamed Al-Ghamdi
- FW: Steven Bergwijn, Karim Benzema, Roger Fernandes
A robust 4-3-3 formation looks likely, led by Rajković’s reliability in goal. Kanté and Fabinho anchor midfield, dictating pace and recycling possession. Hamed Al-Ghamdi supports both phases, ensuring connection with attack. Upfront, Bergwijn’s creativity, Benzema’s finishing, and Fernandes’ work rate will look to exploit Al Kholood’s backline. Watch for Diaby, who may appear from the bench, adding late pace.
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Al Ittihad. Source: Official X/Twitter. Edited photo
My take on the Match
The data, the eye test, and the bookmaker markets all converge on one clear narrative: Al Ittihad are extremely well-positioned to extend their winning sequence. Their tactical structure, squad depth, and recent efficiency in both conversion and buildup phases should be too much for Al Kholood—who, for all their effort and home support, are likely to find themselves overmatched. While Al Kholood could strike on the counter or set piece, the chasm in squad depth and recent form suggests a confident 3-1 win for Al Ittihad, with goal-scoring chances falling to Benzema and Bergwijn. Bettors seeking value should look at Asian Handicap (-1.5) for Al Ittihad, Over 2.5 goals, or Both Teams to Score.

