Verdict: Al-Ittihad draw no bet
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to complete a famous domestic sweep on Friday night, Al-Ittihad will welcome Al-Qadsiah to the King Abdullah Sports City with this season’s King’s Cup up for grabs.
Al-Ittihad
Starting with the hosts, embarking on what has been a sensational Pro League romp this season, Al-Ittihad are now just 90 minutes away from completing an iconic silverware sweep. Clinching a 10th top-fight crown, Laurent Blanc’s have continued to receive a string of plaudits. Last seen g off the 2024/25 campaign with a 1-0 victory against Damac earlier in the week, the former boss has seen his high-flying squad receive a string of plaudits from across the continent. Getting May underway with a dramatic 3-2 win against bitter rivals Al-Nassr, the People’s Club won each of their final six Pro League showdowns by an aggregate score of 16-7. It should also be highlighted, Al-Ittihad have not suffered a single defeat at the King Abdullah Sports City this season.
Al-Ittihad Team News
Once again missing out against Damac earlier in the week, Al-Ittihad are once again expected to be without Serbian international shot-stopper Predrag Rajkovic on Friday night. However, aside from the former Mallorca goalkeeper, Blanc’s side have reported a clean bill of health.
Making a full return on Monday afternoon and notching 21 goals in his 29 Pro League appearances this season, ex-Real Madrid icon Karim Benzema will play a leading role here. Finding the net in all of his last three consecutive outings, former Tottenham ace Steven Bergwijn should Benzema in the final third.
Al-Qadsiah
As for the visitors, although Al-Qadsiah might have only made their Pro League return this season, Michel’s men have firmly cemented their spot as Saudi’s ultimate surprise package. Despite g off their regular-campaign with a 2-0 loss away at Al-Hilal earlier in the week, the Reds clinched a sensational fourth-place finish and have rightfully received a string of praise. Mustering 12 points from their final five Pro League appearances, the former Olympiacos boss is 90 minuets away from making major history. However, facing what is a monumental challenge on Friday night, Al-Qadsiah have shown some extended issues on the road. Mustering just a single win from their previous five matchups outside of Khobar, Michel’s men couldn’t have asked for a tougher task.
Al-Qadsiah Team News
Missing out against Al-Hilal over the weekend, Al-Qadsiah are once again sweating over the fitness of former Cagliari defender Nahitan Nandez on Friday night. However, aside from the Uruguayan international, Michel’s camp have no fresh injury concerns.
Enjoying what has been a stellar run of form and notching 15 goals for club and country so far this calendar year, ex-Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will play a leading role in the final third.
Al-Ittihad vs Al-Qadsiah Key Factors to Consider
- When Al-Ittihad last welcomed Al-Qadsiah to the King Abdullah Sports City in October 2024, the newly-crowned Pro League champions collected a 3-1 victory.
- Blanc’s men won each of their final six Pro League showdowns by an aggregate score of 16-7.
- Likewise, Al-Ittihad have not suffered a single defeat on home soil across any competition so far this season.
- Al-Qadsiah have mustered just a single win from their previous six matchups outside of Khobar.
- Each of the last four meetings between Al-Ittihad and Al-Qadsiah have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
90 minuets away from completing a famous domestic sweep, Al-Ittihad are enjoying what has been a sensational run of form. Along with winning their final six Pro League showdowns by an aggregate score of 16-7, Blanc’s side have also gained a fearsome reputation for their dominance on home soil. Landing a 3-1 victory when they last welcomed Friday’s guests to the King Abdullah Sports City back in October 2024, it should also be noted that Al-Qadsiah have shown some extended inconsistencies on their travels.
Verdict: Al-Ittihad draw no bet
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
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