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Karim Benzema is firmly in the spotlight in the Al-Ittihad predicted lineup vs Al-Taawoun, as the Frenchman aims to get Al-Numoor back to winning ways in the Saudi Pro League clash at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium.
A win for Al-Ittihad could also get them right back into the title race if other results go their way as well.
Al-Ittihad Predicted Lineup vs Al-Taawoun
Contents
Saudi Pro League team news
Nuno Espirito Santo saw his centre-back Ahmed Hergazy sustain a nasty knee injury in June. As he is expected to be out of action for a long time, he has been unregistered from the Saudi Pro League due to restrictions. Goalkeeper Abdullah Al-Jadani is also still on the sidelines for Al-Numoor.
However, Santo has been fortunate that none of his players picked up injuries during the International break. More importantly, star striker Karim Benzema is well rested and should be at peak fitness levels to lead the charge for the defending Saudi Pro League champions in the crucial matches ahead.
Predicted Lineup
Marcelo Grohe (GK), Madallah Al-Olayan, Luiz Felipe, Hassam Kadesh, Ahmed Bamsaud, Fabinho, N’Golo Kante, Romarinho, Igor Coronado, Abderazzak Hamdallah, Karim Benzema
Al-Ittihad predicted lineup vs Al-Taawoun – Our top three
Karim Benzema – Ballon d’Or winner eager to regain goal-scoring form
Karim Benzema had a frustrating outing in Al-Ittihad’s loss to Al-Ahli before the October international break. But he’ll be raring to go against the surprise packages of the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League season. Benzema still has a lot of tricks up his sleeve that can be used to outwit defenders.
Be it his clever movement in the opposition half, creative link-up play or devastating finishing ability, Benzema is ready to run riot. He might be marked tightly by Andrei Girotto in this, but the Frenchman has enough experience to get past his marker and finish off chances clinically.
Abderrazak Hamdallah – Decisive forward flying high under Santo
Moroccan forward Abderrazak Hamdallah is actually Al-Ittihad’s highest goal-scorer in the Saudi Pro League. He’s the ideal shadow to Benzema, getting into the empty areas when defenders are busy marking the Frenchman. Hamdallah is unlikely to get that much against Al-Taawoun, whose proactive centre-back Waleed Al-Ahmed will keep a close eye on him.
Hamdallah aims to use his unpredictable style and sly movement to slip past the defenders into the final third to cause trouble. The 32-year-old needs to be at his ruthless best in converting opportunities to help his side get a big win.
N’Golo Kante – Three-Lung Frenchman key to controlling the game
N’Golo Kante developed the nickname of ‘Three-Lung Kante’ due to his endless energy levels shown in his years at Chelsea. He might be older and slightly less energetic than his late-2010s self, but the Frenchman is still a machine in the middle of the park.
Kante is relentless in covering a lot of ground to regain possession and help his side thrive in the transitions. He will need to be smart with his tackles and interceptions to ensure that Al-Ittihad controls this game with ease as well as win this important midfield battle.
Will Abdullah Al-Mayouf play against Al-Taawoun?
Abdullah Al-Mayouf is a legendary goalkeeper in Saudi Arabia football and started the season by protecting Al-Ittihad’s goal in the first two league games. But it’s now clear that Santo prefers Brazilian shot-stopper Marcelo Grohe to protect his goal and is unlikely to play Al-Mayouf in the league in these big games.
Al-Ittihad Predicted Lineup vs Al-Taawoun – The final word
Al-Ittihad are facing an in-form Al-Taawoun side that has just lost one game and is flying high on confidence. They’ll need to produce a really clinical display to outwit the hosts and get back into the Saudi Pro League title race. Another loss or even draw can start creating pressure on Nuno Espirito Santo and his ability to get the best out of the defending champions.
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