Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq — Match Preview
A heavyweight clash takes place at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Friday, 16 January 2026, as Al Ittihad host Al Ettifaq. This is a battle for position in the upper echelon of the table, with just five points separating the two sides. The hosts, Al Ittihad, are currently 6th (27 points) and enjoying a rich vein of form, unbeaten in their last five matches (4 wins, 1 draw), although they were held to a 1–1 stalemate by Damac on Tuesday.
Al Ettifaq, sitting 7th with 22 points, come into this game looking to bounce back from a disappointing 1–2 home defeat to Al Khaleej. Steven Gerrard’s men have been entertaining but inconsistent, scoring 24 goals but conceding 25. Facing an in-form Ittihad side at the “Jewel” will be a severe test of their defensive resolve.
Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq — Match Info
- Competition: Saudi Pro League (Matchday 15)
- Venue: King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah (Capacity: 62,345)
- Date: Friday, 16 January 2026
- Kickoff: 20:00 KSA | 17:00 GMT | 12:00 ET
- Referee: TBC (SAFF Appointment)
Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq — Match Stakes
Al Ittihad (6th — 27 pts):
- Win → Moves to 30 pts; puts them firmly in the hunt for AFC Champions League spots (Top 3/4).
- Draw → Extends unbeaten run to 6 games but feels like a missed opportunity at home.
- Loss → Allows Ettifaq to close the gap to just 2 points; stalls their mid-season momentum.
Al Ettifaq (7th — 22 pts):
- Win → Moves to 25 pts; a statement victory that reignites their season.
- Draw → A solid result away at one of the league’s toughest venues.
- Loss → Gap to Al Ittihad widens to 8 points; leaves them drifting in mid-table.
Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq — Team News
Al Ittihad:
- Karim Benzema — Expected to start and lead the line. His link-up play has been crucial in the recent 4-game winning streak.
- N’Golo Kante — The midfield engine will be vital to stopping Ettifaq’s transition play.
- Defensive Solidity: Conceded only 2 goals in their last 5 games before the Damac draw; the backline is clicking.
Al Ettifaq:
- Moussa Dembele — The main goal threat. He needs service to trouble Ittihad’s defense.
- Georginio Wijnaldum — Needs a big performance in midfield to match Kante and Fabinho.
- Defensive Woes: Conceded 4 goals vs Al Najma and 2 vs Al Khaleej recently. The backline looks fragile.
Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Al Ittihad
- 13/01 — 1–1 vs Damac (SPL)
- 09/01 — 4–0 vs Al Kholood (SPL)
- 03/01 — 1–0 vs Al Taawon (SPL)
- 31/12 — 3–1 vs Neom SC (SPL)
- 27/12 — 2–0 vs Al Shabab (SPL)
Al Ettifaq
- 12/01 — 1–2 vs Al Khaleej (SPL)
- 08/01 — 4–3 vs Al Najma (SPL)
- 02/01 — 2–0 vs Al Okhdood (SPL)
- 30/12 — 2–2 vs Al Nassr (SPL)
- 25/12 — 2–0 vs Al Riyadh (SPL)
Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- 21/04/2025 — Al Ittihad 3–2 Al Ettifaq (SPL)
- 30/11/2024 — Al Ettifaq 0–4 Al Ittihad (SPL)
- 10/05/2024 — Al Ittihad 0–5 Al Ettifaq (SPL)
- 24/11/2023 — Al Ettifaq 1–1 Al Ittihad (SPL)
- 16/02/2023 — Al Ettifaq 0–3 Al Ittihad (SPL)
Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Al Ittihad (4-2-3-1)
Rajkovic; Al-Sagour, Pereira, Al-Amri, Kadesh; Kante, Fabinho; Diaby, Aouar, Bergwijn; Benzema
Al Ettifaq (4-3-3)
Rodak; Al-Otaibi, Hendry, Madu, Al-Shamrani; Fofana, Wijnaldum, Medran; Toko Ekambi, Dembele, Gray
Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq — Impact Bench
Al Ittihad: Al-Shehri (Late goal threat), Al-Ghamdi (Energy)
Al Ettifaq: Vitinho (Skill), Al-Kuwaykibi (Pace)
Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq — Tactical Analysis
Al Ittihad
Laurent Blanc (or current manager) has Ittihad playing balanced football. They have scored 11 goals in their last 5 games, showing great attacking variety. At home, they will dominate possession and look to exploit the spaces Ettifaq leaves when they push forward. The Kante-Fabinho pivot provides the security needed to let the front four roam.
Al Ettifaq
Steven Gerrard’s side is fun to watch but stressful to support. Their “Score one more than you” approach (24 scored, 25 conceded) makes them dangerous but vulnerable. Against a disciplined Ittihad, they cannot afford the defensive lapses shown against Al Khaleej. They will look to hit on the counter using the pace of Demarai Gray and Toko Ekambi.
Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq — Key Battles
- Benzema vs Jack Hendry — Elite movement vs physical defending.
- Kante vs Wijnaldum — A Champions League quality battle in the midfield engine room.
- Diaby vs Al-Shamrani — Pace on the wing could be the deciding factor.
- Rajkovic vs Dembele — Ittihad’s keeper has been in good form; he needs to stop the Frenchman.
Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq — Prediction
Al Ittihad 3–1 Al Ettifaq
Al Ittihad are in superior form and playing at home. Al Ettifaq’s defense is leaking goals (conceded in 4 of last 5), and against an attack featuring Benzema, Diaby, and Bergwijn, that is a recipe for disaster. Expect an entertaining game, but the Tigers should roar to a comfortable victory.
Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq — Betting Insights
- Over 2.5 Goals — High Probability (Ettifaq games average 3+ goals).
- Al Ittihad to Win — Value Bet.
- Both Teams to Score — YES.
Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq — Where to Watch
- Saudi Arabia: SSC (Saudi Sports Company)
- International: DAZN / Fox Sports (USA)
Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq — FAQs
Q: When is the Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq match?
A: The match is scheduled for Friday, 16 January 2026.
Q: Who is the favorite?
A: Al Ittihad are clear favorites due to their 5-match unbeaten run and home advantage.
Q: Is Karim Benzema playing?
A: Yes, he is expected to captain the side.
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