Al-Ittihad is set to face off against Al-Najma in a crucial Saudi Pro League match this Sunday at King Abdullah Sports City. As the defending champions, Al-Ittihad currently sits in sixth place, while Al-Najma finds itself at the bottom of the league table.
Match Preview: Al Ittihad vs Al Najma
Al-Ittihad clinched its second league title in three seasons last year, raising expectations for a successful title defense. However, their performance so far in the 2025-26 season has not lived up to those hopes. With only nine wins from 18 matches, accompanied by four draws and five losses, Al-Ittihad trails league leaders Al-Hilal by 15 points.
The season started positively for Al-Ittihad with three consecutive victories. However, they then hit a rough patch, going five matches without a win, leading to two draws and three losses. Coach Sergio Conceicao has since managed to revitalize the team, guiding them through a six-game unbeaten streak, which included five wins and one draw. Yet, maintaining a bid for the Pro League title appears increasingly challenging.
Home Performance
At home, Al-Ittihad has achieved a mixed performance with five wins and four losses. Despite their struggles this season, they are favored to beat Al-Najma, who have had a dismal time in the top division.
Al-Najma’s Struggles
In stark contrast, Al-Najma has faced extreme hardships since their promotion last season. With no wins in 18 league matches, they have managed only five draws against 13 losses. Their struggles can be attributed to a lack of goals and a porous defense, which has resulted in conceding a league-high 37 goals while scoring just 18.
Currently, Al-Najma is seven points adrift of safety, emphasizing the urgency of needing victories to avoid relegation.
Team News
- Al-Ittihad: Predrag Rajkovic will likely continue as the first-choice goalkeeper. The defensive lineup features Hamed Al-Shanqiti, Danilo Pereira, Hassan Kadesh, and Mario Mitaj. The attack will be spearheaded by Moussa Diaby, Saleh Al-Shehri, and Roger Fernandes.
- Al-Najma: Mohammed Al-Kunaydiri remains sidelined due to a cruciate ligament injury. Nasser Al-Haleel is expected to return after recovering from his injury, while Hisham Al Dubais will likely lead the forward line.
Projected Lineups
Al-Ittihad:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Rajkovic |
| DF | Al-Shanqiti |
| DF | Pereira |
| DF | Kadesh |
| DF | Mitaj |
| MF | Kante |
| MF | Fabinho |
| MF | Doumbia |
| FW | Diaby |
| FW | Al Shehri |
| FW | Roger |
Al-Najma:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Victor Braga |
| DF | Vitao |
| DF | Samir Caetano |
| DF | Al Haleel |
| DF | Al Hawsawi |
| MF | Flores |
| MF | Jasim |
| MF | Tijanic |
| MF | Al Tulayhi |
| FW | Boutobba |
| FW | Al Dubais |
Match Prediction
Considering the current form of both teams, Al-Ittihad is expected to secure a victory. Their more robust lineup and home advantage position them well to claim a 2-0 win against Al-Najma.
