Preview: Al Khaleej vs. Al Ittihad - prediction, team news, lineups

Al Ittihad will look to tighten their grip on top spot in the Saudi Pro League when they travel to face Al Khaleej at the Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Stadium on Wednesday.

The league leaders secured a major boost in the title race last weekend with a commanding 4-1 victory over reigning champions Al Hilal, extending their lead to seven points at the summit.

Match preview

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It has been a flawless February for the People's Club, who have won all four league matches this month, and a fifth consecutive victory on Wednesday would further strengthen their championship credentials.

Following a disappointing fifth-place finish last season when they failed to retain the title, Laurent Blanc took charge in July 2024, and his leadership has revitalised Al Ittihad's title ambitions.

However, with 13 matches remaining, the league leaders must maintain consistency to defend their seven-point cushion, starting with a visit to a ground where they remain unbeaten across all competitions (five wins, two draws).

While they have been faultless at home with 11 wins from 11 matches, their away form has been slightly inconsistent, dropping points in three of 10 away fixtures (two defeats, one draw).

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Meanwhile, Al Khaleej's hopes of securing a first-ever home win against Al Ittihad look slim, given their recent struggles, with Al-Danah failing to win any of their last four league matches.

After starting the year with a promising run of two wins, a draw, and a loss, their form has dipped following a draw with Damac, which led to back-to-back defeats before a frustrating goalless stalemate against Al Fayha.

Their inability to convert chances was evident in that match, as they dominated play and restricted Al Fayha to a single off-target attempt, yet failed to score despite registering 12 shots and five on target.

Sitting 10th in the table with 28 points, Georgios Donis's side remain 11 points clear of the relegation zone, but they must return to winning ways to avoid being dragged into the survival battle.

Team News

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Al Khaleej will be without experienced Greek defensive midfielder Dimitrios Kourbelis, their only confirmed absentee.

However, Donis has no fresh injury or suspension concerns, meaning he could stick with the same starting XI.

For Al Ittihad, Ahmed Sharahili remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.

Meanwhile, Karim Benzema, the joint-top scorer in the league with 16 goals, including six in his last seven games, will once again lead the line as the visitors aim to maintain their momentum at the top of the table.

Al Khaleej possible starting lineup: Sehic; Al Hamsal, Tisserand, Al-Khanrani, Rebocho; Hamzi, Hawsawi; Saleh, Fortounis, Martins; Al Salem

Al Ittihad possible starting lineup: Rajkovic; Shanqeeti, Al-Mousa, Pereira, Kadesh; Kante, Fabinho; Diaby, Aouar, Bergwijn; Benzema

We say: Al Khaleej 1-3 Al Ittihad

Al-Ittihad have been dominant this season and are overwhelming favourites against a struggling Al-Khaleej side, which is why we expect the visitors to have too much firepower for their host to seal a comfortable away win.

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