Al Riyadh-Al Ittihad is a match of the third day of the Saudi Pro League and is played on Thursday at 8 pm: TV, streaming, formations, predictions.
For now, Jeddah is in charge. Yes, because after two days at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings, with full points, are the two clubs from the city overlooking the Red Sea: newly promoted Al-Ahli and defending champions Al-Ittihad. By contrast, the other team that has won both matches played so far is Steven Gerrard’s surprising Al-Ettifaq.
In spite of Karim Benzema running out of steam, Al-Ittihad won without any problems over Al-Raed and Al-Tai, who were beaten 3-0 and 2-0 respectively. The former Real Madrid striker as well as the last Ballon d’Or winner remained on the field for the entire 180′ but has not yet managed to register his name in the scorers’ table. Already crucial, on the other hand, was the contribution of the other two bigs who have been wearing the yellow and black jersey since this summer, Kanté and Fabinho, who form a real dam in midfield. Among the disappointments – if disappointments can already be spoken of – we can count former Celtic Jota, bought by the Scottish club for 30 million euros. The Portuguese in the first two league matches played only two excerpts, ending up in the fans’ sights. Who, it seems, would prefer a more high-profile name.
In fact, Al-Ittihad has run out of slots for foreigners – a maximum of eight can be drafted per team – and could soon send him back to Europe, freeing up a spot for a player of Benzema’s caliber (there is persistent talk of Momo Salah).
Al-Ittihad fans
Waiting to see what will happen, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men in one of the advances of the third day will pay a visit to Al-Riyadh, which has four points in the standings. Coached by Belgian Yannick Ferrera, the Rossoneri debuted with a success against Al-Wehda (1-0) and last weekend drew 2-2 at home to Damac. In their ranks plays the Romanian Tosca, who played in Serie A with Benevento.
The prediction
Of the Saudi Pro League bigwigs, Al-Ittihad is so far one of the ones that has done best. The team of Benzema, Kanté, and Fabinho should pick up another success in the away match in Riyadh, although this time they may not be able to keep their goal unbroken.
The probable lineups of Al Riyadh-Al Ittihad
- AL-RIYADH (4-4-2): Campaña; Arslanagic, Asiri, Al-Nuweqi, Tosca; Touré, N’Dong, Al-Zaqan, Al-Khaibari; Al-Abbas, Musona.
- AL-ITTIHAD (4-3-3): Marcelo Grohe; Hawsawi, Sharahilli, Al-Shanqueeti, Bamasud; Kanté, Fabinho, Hamdallah; Coronado, Benzema, Romarinho.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2
