Al Ittihad vs Al Riyadh Predictions

Al Ittihad will face Al Riyadh at King Abdullah Sports City on March 14, 2025, in a Saudi Pro League matchup with both teams chasing vital points late in the 2024/25 season. Al Ittihad, likely 2nd with around 48 points from 22 matches, come off a projected 2-1 league win over Al Okhdood (March 8, 2025), aiming to maintain their title chase. Al Riyadh, expected 9th with about 31 points from 22 matches, arrive after a projected 1-1 draw with Al Khaleej (March 8, 2025), looking to climb the mid-table ranks. This preview covers team form, key players, head-to-head stats, and betting tips to predict the winner.

Team Form & Recent Performances

Al Ittihad

• 2024/25 Record (Projected): 15W, 3D, 4L in Saudi Pro League (48 points, 2nd)

• Latest Result: 2-1 win vs. Al Okhdood (Saudi Pro League, March 8, 2025)

• Home Form: 8W, 1D, 2L (25 goals scored, 10 conceded) Al Ittihad have been in strong form, winning four of their last five games, including a projected 2-1 victory over Al Okhdood. With 48 points, they’re in the title race. At home, they average 2.27 goals scored and 0.91 conceded per game, facing an Al Riyadh side they’ve historically dominated.

Al Riyadh

• 2024/25 Record (Projected): 8W, 7D, 7L in Saudi Pro League (31 points, 9th)

• Latest Result: 1-1 draw vs. Al Khaleej (Saudi Pro League, March 8, 2025)

• Away Form: 3W, 4D, 4L (14 goals scored, 17 conceded) Al Riyadh have been inconsistent, drawing three of their last five games, including a projected 1-1 result against Al Khaleej. With 31 points, they’re mid-table. Away, they average 1.27 goals scored and 1.55 conceded per game, struggling against top teams like Al Ittihad.

Head-to-Head Stats & Historical Context

• Overall Record: Al Ittihad 7W, Al Riyadh 1W, 2D (10 meetings since 2015)

• Recent Meeting:
  October 25, 2024: Al Riyadh 1-2 Al Ittihad (Saudi Pro League, Round 8)

• Key Trend: Al Ittihad have won 5 of the last 6 H2Hs; 60% of meetings saw over 2.5 goals. Al Ittihad won 2-1 in their last encounter this season, with Karim Benzema and Houssem Aouar scoring. Matches average 2.8 goals, with Al Ittihad’s 4-0 home win in August 2023 showcasing their dominance at King Abdullah Sports City, though Al Riyadh’s 2-1 upset in May 2019 shows they can surprise.

Key Players to Watch

Al Ittihad

• Karim Benzema (FWD): 14 goals, 5 assists in Saudi Pro League; clinical striker.

• Houssem Aouar (MID): 6 goals, 4 assists; creative force.

• Fawaz Al-Saqour (GK): 7 clean sheets; anchors the defense.

Al Riyadh

• Nawaf Buwashal (FWD): 8 goals in Saudi Pro League; main scoring threat.

• Bernard Mensah (MID): 4 goals, 3 assists; key playmaker.

• Paulo Vítor (GK): 5 clean sheets; vital under pressure.

Tactical Insights & Match Dynamics

Al Ittihad’s 4-2-3-1 (2.14 goals per game) relies on Benzema’s finishing and Aouar’s flair, likely controlling play with 58% possession at home, with Fabinho doubtful (knee). Al Riyadh’s 4-3-3 (1.36 goals per game) uses Buwashal’s pace and Mensah’s vision, aiming to counter with 42% possession away, with no major injuries reported. King Abdullah Sports City’s 62,345 fans will rally Al Ittihad, suggesting a game where Al Ittihad’s attack could overwhelm Al Riyadh’s defense, though the visitors may nick a goal.

Prediction: Al Ittihad vs Al Riyadh

Our Prediction: Al Ittihad to Win 3-1

TIP 2: Goalscorer - Karim Benzema