Al-Ittihad's first football team continues its intensive preparations for the highly anticipated and crucial match against Al-Ettifaq, which is part of the sixteenth round of the Saudi Professional League. All eyes of Saudi football fans will be on this highly competitive encounter tomorrow evening, Friday, as Al-Ittihad aims to secure the three points and strengthen its position in the league standings.
Features of the expected formation of the federation
According to recent observations of the team's training sessions, Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição has largely settled on his starting lineup. It appears the coach is relying on a blend of experience and youth, with the foreign professionals expected to make the difference in this crucial match.
The expected lineup for the Al-Ittihad match was as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Rajkovic.
- Defense line: Danilo Pereira, Ahmed Sharahili, Hassan Kadesh, and Muhannad Al-Shanqiti.
- Midfield: Roger Fernandes, N'Golo Kante, and Mohamed Doumbia.
- The attacking line-up: Steven Bergwijn, Moussa Diaby, and Saleh Al-Shehri.
The importance of the match and the context of the competition
This match is of paramount importance to both teams, especially Al-Ittihad, who are eager to appease their fans and remain in contention for the title. Matches between Al-Ittihad and Al-Ettifaq are considered classic encounters in Saudi football, with Al-Ettifaq (the Knights of Ad-Dahna) possessing a well-organized tactical system that makes them a formidable opponent for even the biggest clubs. This necessitates that the Tigers maintain high concentration throughout the ninety minutes.
Star influence and the context of the Roshan League
This match comes amidst the tremendous growth of the Saudi Professional League, which has become a global attraction thanks to its recruitment of a host of world-class football stars. The presence of names like N'Golo Kanté in midfield and Moussa Diaby in attack gives Al-Ittihad significant technical prowess. Al-Ittihad fans are placing great hope in the attacking prowess of this front three to unlock Al-Ettifaq's defense, especially given Diaby's blistering pace and Bergwijn's technical skill.
Winning this match not only means getting three points, but also represents an important morale boost for the team before entering the fray of crucial matches in the second half of the season, making Friday’s encounter a pivotal point in the team’s journey in the league.
