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Al-Ittihad take on Al Ahli on Friday night in a game that could have huge implications at the top of the Saudi Pro League. Both clubs are expected to challenge for the title this season after massive outlays in the summer but both are floundering behind the less-fancied Al-Taawon as things stand. A win here would be huge for both clubs with kick-off pencilled in for 19:00 UK time.
Al-Ittihad predicted lineup vs Al Ahli Saudi Pro League team news
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Frustration is beginning to grow within the Al-Ittihad ranks in relation to the continuing injury problems of star man, Karim Benzema. The former Real Madrid striker, who made a blockbuster move to Al-Ittihad in the summer, has seen his first season with the club plagued with injury problems after a promising start.
His most recent injury came during Al-Ittihad’s 3-0 win over Al-Okhdood on September 14th. The Frenchman hasn’t taken to the field since coming off in that game and is once again a doubt for the match against Al Ahli. Benzema has only scored three goals for his new club and will be keen to return soon to add to that.
Elsewhere, Al-Ittihad are having issues at the back. Egyptian defender, Ahmed Hegazy and goalkeeper, Abdullah Al-Jadani are both out with cruciate ligament injuries so won’t be available for this one or any game in the foreseeable future. Full-back, Ahmed Bamasud could also be unavailable and will face a late fitness test.
Al-Ittihad predicted lineup
Grohe, Felipe, Hawsawi, Kadesh, Al-Olayan, Coronado, Kante, Fabinho, Shangeeti, Romarinho, Hamdallah
Al-Ittihad predicted lineup vs Al Ahli – Our top three
Fabinho – Reinvigorated in Saudi
It was only a few years ago that Fabinho was regarded as the best holding midfielder on the planet after an exceptional couple of seasons for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp. For whatever reason, his nosedived last season to the point where Klopp no longer trusted him at the base of the Liverpool midfield.
During a summer revamp, Fabinho was shipped off to Al-Ittihad where he has been busy trying to reinvigorate his career. Instead of treating the move as merely one final payday, the Brazilian has been really impressive in midfield for the Saudi club so far.
He’s averaging three successful tackles and one interception per match and his passing completion stats are also respectable at 90%. He will be key again here if Al-Ittihad are to gain control of the match.
N’Golo Kanté – A man for the big occasion
N’Golo Kante has made a habit of being a big game player over the years with some of his best performances at club level coming in title deciders and Champions League finals. This is another opportunity for him to show his credentials given how important this game is in the Saudi Pro League title race.
Abderrazak Hamdallah – Stepping up to the plate
In Benzema’s absence, Al-Ittihad have turned to Abderrazak Hamdallah for goals. The Moroccan hasn’t disappointed either and he will feel he has done enough to retain his place in the side even when Benzema returns. So far, he has scored five league goals and provided two assists for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.
Will Karim Benzema play against Al Ahli?
Karim Benzema is once again going to be absent for Al-Ittihad for the clash against Al Ahli. He has been injured for three weeks now and no date has been set for his return.
Al-Ittihad predicted lineup vs Al Ahli – The final word
Al-Ittihad were the favourites for the Saudi Pro League title at the start of the season and they could really do with a statement win to send a message to those around them in the title race. Without Benzema, this one will be difficult so we are going for a 1-1 draw.
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