Robert Sykes
Dailysports's expert
Al-Ittihad
Al-Ettifaq
Bonus up to $130/€100
On April 21, 2025, at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, the 29th round of the Arabian Pro League will feature a clash between Al-Ittihad and Al-Ettifaq. I propose a combined bet on this match with good chances of success.
Al-Ittihad
Laurent Blanc's team unexpectedly lost in the previous round, suffering a 0-2 defeat away to Al-Fateh. This loss somewhat complicated their position in the standings — with six rounds to go, the leader's advantage over second-placed Al-Hilal has now shrunk to four points.
In the upcoming match, it is crucial to secure maximum points, especially considering the tough schedule of the remaining rounds, which includes several challenging away games. Losing points at this stage could significantly impact the distribution of places at the top of the table, where the battle for the championship has intensified.
At the same time, it's worth noting Al-Ittihad's confident performances at home. Laurent Blanc's squad shows high stability, having dropped points in only one home match all season. This home form gives them a good chance of achieving a positive result and maintaining their lead in the standings.
Al-Ettifaq
Al-Ettifaq only managed to break a four-match winless streak in the last round. After 28 rounds, the team sits in 6th place in the standings with 40 points. Essentially, the season has lost its competitive intrigue for Al-Ettifaq: the top three are already out of reach, and the gap from the relegation zone allows them to feel at ease.
However, such a situation might play into Al-Ettifaq's hands. Freed from the pressure of results, the players can afford to play more freely, push forward boldly, and try new tactical moves. Such opponents often cause problems for favorites — especially in matches where one side plays for points and the other with a purely sporting mindset.
Probable lineups
- Al-Ittihad: Al-Mahasneh, Al-Saqour, Al-Amri, Danilo, Kadesh, Kante, Fabinho, Diaby, Aouar, Hernandez, Benzema
- Al-Ettifaq: Rodak, Abdurahman, Hendry, Khatib, Costa, Al-Malki, Medran, Gray, Vitinho, Ekambi, Wijnaldum
Match facts and H2H
- In 4 of the last 5 meetings, Al-Ittihad has scored at least 2 goals in each match.
- In the last 11 away matches, Al-Ettifaq failed to score only once.
- In the first round, Al-Ittihad crushed their opponent on their own ground with a score of 4-0.
Prediction
Al-Ittihad is the clear favorite and, after a recent defeat, should play with doubled motivation. An open match with plenty of chances is expected. The optimal betting option is "Home win and total over 2.5".
Bonus up to $130/€100
