Al-Ittihad vs Al-Taawoun prediction, H2H and probable lineups - 3 January 2026
One of the key fixtures of the latest round in the Saudi Pro League will take place on Saturday at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, where Al-Ittihad hosts Al-Taawoun. Here’s a betting tip for this high-stakes clash with solid chances for success.
Match preview
Al-Ittihad are steadily hitting their stride after a challenging spell in the first half of the season. The appointment of Sérgio Conceição didn’t bring instant results, but the team has now strung together four consecutive victories across all competitions, boasting a 10:2 aggregate scoreline. The reigning champions look balanced once again, improving both in ball control and attacking aggression in the final third.
Despite trailing league leaders Al-Nassr by 11 points, the hosts remain highly motivated as they continue to fight for the King’s Cup and the AFC Champions League. Al-Ittihad are traditionally strong at home, and recent head-to-heads against Al-Taawoun have gone their way. January promises a packed schedule, so kicking off the month with a win is crucial for team confidence.
Al-Taawoun have been one of this season’s standout surprises. Pericles Chamusca’s squad has won nine of their last ten league matches, sitting third and just three points off the top. Their away form is especially impressive: five wins from five on the road — the best away record in the league.
However, a trip to Jeddah remains a daunting challenge. Al-Taawoun haven’t beaten Al-Ittihad away in years, and squad issues, including the absence of Musa Barrow and Fulgini, have dented their attacking threat. Nevertheless, they are resilient and can punish opponents’ mistakes, making this a potentially tense encounter right up to the final whistle.
Probable lineups
- Al-Ittihad: Rajković, Kadesh, Sharahili, Pereira, Al-Shanqiti, Fabinho, Kanté, Roger, Bergwijn, Diaby, Benzema
- Al-Taawoun: Mailson, Mahzari, Girotto, Al-Ahmad, Al-Dossari, El Mahdioui, Al-Kuwaikibi, Flavio, Zambrano, Mandash, Martinez
Match facts and head-to-head
- Al-Ittihad are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Al-Taawoun.
- Al-Taawoun have won all five of their away matches in the league this season.
- Al-Ittihad have registered four consecutive wins across all competitions with a 10:2 goal difference.
Prediction
This promises to be a closely contested battle, but home advantage and current form tip the scales in Al-Ittihad’s favor. Al-Taawoun have the quality to challenge and find the net, but the hosts’ class and squad depth should prove decisive.
