Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the matches of the 33rd round of the Saudi Pro League will take place on Tuesday at the Al-Shabab Club Stadium, where the local Al-Shabab will host Al-Ittihad. I’m offering a bet on the outcome of this clash with a solid value.
Match preview
Fatih Terim's men continue to show fighting spirit as the season nears its end, despite inconsistent recent results. Al-Shabab confidently claimed an away victory over Al-Riyadh with a 3-1 scoreline, showcasing the strengths of their attacking football. However, the defense can be shaky at times, as the stats show: 38 goals conceded against 61 scored.
Home games under Terim often become a real test for visiting teams, as Al-Shabab makes full use of their home crowd advantage. In 16 matches, the team has racked up 10 wins and suffered just 4 defeats. The coach’s tactical plan centers on dominating the midfield and launching rapid attacks, creating plenty of opportunities. Against the newly crowned champions, Al-Shabab will be determined to show their full potential.
Laurent Blanc’s side has already secured the Saudi Pro League title with games to spare, leaving no chance for their rivals. In the last five matches, Al-Ittihad have picked up four wins, including an impressive 3-1 away triumph over Al-Raed, further solidifying their top spot. With 77 points and an excellent goal difference (75 scored and 33 conceded), the team has displayed remarkable stability all season long.
Their main strength lies in a perfect blend of solid defense and sharp attack. Blanc’s players expertly balance between defense and offense, using rapid transitions to catch opponents off guard. Thanks to this approach, Al-Ittihad maintain their edge against any opponent, and the clash with Al-Shabab is unlikely to be an exception.
Probable lineups
- Al-Shabab: Buschan G., Al-Sharari N., Al-Shwayreh M., Khudt V., Robert Renan, Al-Juwaer M., Camara G., Guanca S., Podence D., Camara H., Carrasco Y.
- Al-Ittihad: Rajkovic P., Al-Shankiti M., Al-Amri A., Danilo, Mitai M., Kante N., Fabinho, Al-Oboud A., Aouar U., Hernandez U., Bergwijn S.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Both teams scored in 4 out of the last 5 matches
- Over 2.5 goals was seen in 4 of the last 5 matches
- Al-Ittihad have beaten their opponents in the last two meetings
Prediction
The bookmakers give a slight edge to the hosts in this match, with Al-Shabab’s win priced at 2.12. We believe Al-Shabab will put up a fight at home, so our pick here is "Al-Shabab to win with a (0) handicap" at odds of 1.68.
