NEOM SC vs Al Ittihad — Match Preview
A fascinating “Reunion Derby” closes out the year at King Khalid Sports City on Wednesday, 31 December 2025. Newly promoted powerhouses NEOM SC host giants Al Ittihad in a battle for 6th place. Both sides sit level on 17 points, making this a true six-pointer.
The narrative is dripping with intrigue as NEOM’s core—featuring former Ittihad legends Romarinho, Ahmed Hegazi, and Marcelo Grohe—face their old club for the first time in the Pro League. Al Ittihad arrive in Tabuk in excellent form, having won three consecutive matches in all competitions, including a solid 2–0 win over Al Shabab. Laurent Blanc’s side will be eager to spoil the party and prove they are still the superior force.
NEOM SC vs Al Ittihad — Match Info
- Competition: Roshn Saudi League (Matchday 11)
- Venue: King Khalid Sports City, Tabuk (Capacity: 12,000)
- Date: Wednesday, 31 December 2025
- Kickoff: 20:00 AST (Local) | 17:00 GMT | 12:00 ET
- Referee: TBC (SAFF Appointment)
NEOM SC vs Al Ittihad — Match Stakes
NEOM SC (7th — 17 pts):
- Win → Moves to 20 pts; leapfrogs Al Ittihad into 6th and validates their “Super Team” project.
- Draw → Maintains the deadlock; a respectable result against one of the “Big Four”.
- Loss → Drops to mid-table; a psychological blow for the ex-Ittihad contingent.
Al Ittihad (6th — 17 pts):
- Win → Moves to 20 pts; closes the gap on the top 4 and extends winning streak to 4 games.
- Draw → Keeps them ahead of NEOM on goal difference but viewed as a missed opportunity.
- Loss → Overtaken by NEOM; defensive questions resurface after conceding 15 goals this season.
NEOM SC vs Al Ittihad — Team News
NEOM SC:
- Romarinho — Available (Captain & Club Legend facing former side).
- Hegazi A. — Available (Defensive rock).
- Grohe M. — Available (Starting GK).
- Diagne M. — Questionable (Knock vs Al Najma).
- Al-Faraj S. — Available (Midfield General).
Al Ittihad:
- Benzema K. — Available (Scored vs Al Shabab; in top form).
- Diaby M. — Available (Key creative outlet).
- Kante N. — Available (Midfield engine).
- Luiz Felipe — Out (Muscle Injury).
- Aouar H. — Questionable (Fatigue from busy schedule).
NEOM SC vs Al Ittihad — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
NEOM SC
- 25/12 — 2–1 vs Al Najma (SPL)
- 23/11 — 1–1 vs Al Taawoun (SPL)
- 08/11 — 1–3 vs Al Nassr (SPL)
- 30/10 — 3–2 vs Al Kholood (SPL)
- 24/10 — 1–1 vs Al Khaleej (SPL)
Al Ittihad
- 27/12 — 2–0 vs Al Shabab (SPL)
- 23/12 — 1–0 vs Nasaf Qarshi (ACL Two)
- 29/11 — 4–1 vs Al Shabab (Kings Cup)
- 24/11 — 2–4 vs Al-Duhail (ACL Two)
- 21/11 — 2–1 vs Al Riyadh (SPL)
NEOM SC vs Al Ittihad — Head-to-Head
- No previous competitive meetings found.
- This is the first-ever Saudi Pro League clash between the two sides.
NEOM SC vs Al Ittihad — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
NEOM SC (4-2-3-1)
Grohe; Al-Burayk, Hegazi, Semedo, Al-Shahrani; Al-Faraj, Neves; Michael, Romarinho, Diallo; Diagne
Al Ittihad (4-3-3)
Rajkovic; Shanqiti, Pereira, Al-Amri, Kadesh; Fabinho, Kante, Aouar; Diaby, Bergwijn, Benzema
NEOM SC vs Al Ittihad — Impact Bench
NEOM SC: Carrillo (Experience), Al-Muwallad (Pace)
Al Ittihad: Al-Ghamdi (Energy), Mitaj (Defensive cover)
NEOM SC vs Al Ittihad — Tactical Analysis
NEOM SC
NEOM relies heavily on the individual brilliance of Romarinho and the leadership of Salman Al-Faraj. They will likely sit deep, trusting Ahmed Hegazi to repel Benzema, and look to hit Ittihad on the break. The emotional factor is huge—Hegazi and Grohe know Ittihad’s weaknesses better than anyone.
Al Ittihad
Laurent Blanc has finally found a balance. With N’Golo Kante patrolling the midfield, Ittihad can afford to play an attacking trio of Diaby, Bergwijn, and Benzema. Their weakness remains defending transitions (conceded 15 goals), which is exactly where NEOM’s Michael and Romarinho thrive. Ittihad must control possession and avoid cheap turnovers in the middle.
NEOM SC vs Al Ittihad — Key Battles
- Benzema vs Hegazi — The “El Classico” of SPL matchups; former teammates collide.
- Romarinho vs Kante — NEOM’s creator vs the world’s best ball-winner.
- Diaby vs Al-Shahrani — Pace mismatch on the wing.
- Grohe vs The Ittihad Attack — The Brazilian GK will be desperate for a clean sheet against his old club.
NEOM SC vs Al Ittihad — Spotlight Players
NEOM SC — Romarinho
The historical top scorer for Al Ittihad is now the captain of NEOM. He will be the most motivated player on the pitch. Expect him to drop deep and try to pull Ittihad’s defenders out of position.
Al Ittihad — Karim Benzema
After a rocky start to his Saudi career, Benzema is flying. His link-up play with Moussa Diaby has been the catalyst for Ittihad’s recent 3-game winning streak.
NEOM SC vs Al Ittihad — Prediction
NEOM SC 2–2 Al Ittihad
This has “thriller” written all over it. The reunion narrative, combined with both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities (both conceded 15 goals), suggests goals. NEOM will fight hard at home, but Ittihad’s attack is purring. A high-scoring draw seems a fair result to end the year.
NEOM SC vs Al Ittihad — Betting Insights
- Both Teams to Score — YES (High confidence).
- Over 2.5 Goals — Likely.
- Romarinho to Score — Narrative Value Bet.
NEOM SC vs Al Ittihad — Where to Watch
- Saudi Arabia: SSC (Saudi Sports Company) / Shahid VIP
- International: DAZN, Fox Sports (USA), Canal+
NEOM SC vs Al Ittihad — FAQs
Q: When is the NEOM vs Al Ittihad match?
A: The match kicks off on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, at 20:00 local time.
Q: Is Ahmed Hegazi playing against Al Ittihad?
A: Yes, the former Ittihad captain now plays for NEOM SC.
Q: Where is the match being played?
A: It is at King Khalid Sports City in Tabuk.
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