In a move reflecting the immense importance of the upcoming match, Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição, manager of Al-Ittihad, is making significant tactical adjustments to the starting lineup for the "Saudi Clasico" against their arch-rivals Al-Hilal. This match, part of the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League, will be held at the Kingdom Arena in a highly anticipated clash for Saudi football fans.
Sharahili's return and Kadash's change of position
Sources close to the club revealed that Conceição's most significant changes include moving defender Ahmed Sharahili back to central defense to play alongside Brazilian professional Danilo Pereira, in an attempt to bolster the team's defensive solidity against Al-Hilal's potent attack. The coach also intends to utilize Hassan Kadash at left-back to compensate for the impactful absence of Mario Mitaël, a change aimed at maintaining a balance between defensive duties and attacking runs down the flanks.
The expected lineup for Al-Ittihad against Al-Hilal
Based on the latest changes, Al-Ittihad is expected to enter the match with the following lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Predrag Rajkovic
- Defense: Muhannad Al-Shanqiti, Danilo Pereira, Ahmed Sharahili, Hassan Kadash
- Midfield: Fabinho Tavares, Houssem Aouar, Mamadou Doumbia
- Forwards: Moussa Diaby, Steven Bergwijn, Youssef En-Nesyri
Historical context and the importance of El Clásico
The Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Hilal match is more than just three points in the league race; it represents the pinnacle of the historic rivalry in Saudi football. This encounter is known as the "Saudi Clasico" due to the immense popularity of both clubs and the long history of crucial matches between them throughout domestic and continental competitions. These matches are always fiercely contested and draw massive crowds, and their outcome significantly impacts the morale of both players and fans, often shaping the course of the title race.
Expected impact of the match
Domestically, the result of this match is of paramount importance in shaping the title race in the Saudi Professional League. Al-Ittihad, under the leadership of coach Conceição, aims to demonstrate its strength and close the gap with the leading teams, while Al-Hilal seeks to extend its winning streak and solidify its dominance in the league. Regionally and internationally, the Saudi Professional League has garnered global attention after attracting international stars, and this derby serves as a significant marketing platform reflecting the development and strength of the competition in the Kingdom. Al-Ittihad looks to maintain its positive momentum following its recent resounding 4-1 victory over Qatari club Al-Sadd in the AFC Champions League and capitalize on this high morale to secure a valuable win in this derby.
