After the international break, Al Ittihad return to Saudi Pro League action with a home clash against Al Riyadh. The reigning champions have endured a disappointing start to their title defence and will be desperate to rediscover their winning touch. Meanwhile, the visitors arrive in Jeddah with renewed confidence after a small unbeaten run, hoping to finally end their long losing streak against the Tigers. This encounter promises to be an intriguing battle between two sides seeking consistency as the season progresses.

Al Ittihad’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Al Ittihad have struggled to replicate the dominance that earned them the league crown last season. They currently sit eighth in the standings with a record of 3 wins, 2 draws, and 3 defeats. Their most recent outing ended in a 0-1 home loss to Al Ahli on November 8, extending their winless run to five league matches. In those five games, they collected just two points, a stark contrast to last season when they lost only three times in the entire campaign.

Despite their current slump, the Jeddah giants remain a dangerous side going forward. They average 1.9 goals scored per match this season, though their defensive line has been less reliable, conceding 1.8 goals per game. At home, Al Ittihad rarely settle for draws — they have avoided a draw in 19 of their last 20 home fixtures. Matches involving them tend to come alive after the break, with over 0.5 goals scored in the second half in 25 of their last 26 league games. These numbers underline their attacking intent but also highlight defensive vulnerabilities that opponents can exploit.

Historically, Al Ittihad have dominated this fixture. They have won all of their last 12 meetings with Al Riyadh, including a 2-1 victory in their most recent encounter on March 13, 2025. Over those four most recent head-to-heads, they have averaged 2.3 goals scored while conceding just 0.3. Such dominance will give them confidence as they look to reignite their campaign in front of their home fans.

Al Riyadh’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Al Riyadh have endured a mixed start to the season, sitting 12th in the table with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 4 defeats. They went into the international break on a positive note after a 1-1 draw with Damac FC on November 6, extending their unbeaten run to three matches. During that stretch, they collected five points from a possible nine, showing signs of improvement after a shaky opening month.

However, the visitors still face major challenges, particularly in defence. They have conceded at least one goal in each of their last 14 away league matches, and their season average of 2.1 goals conceded per game reflects ongoing issues at the back. Offensively, they have managed 1.1 goals per match, with their attack often struggling to convert chances. Encouragingly, their recent performances suggest a more balanced approach, but facing Al Ittihad away remains one of the toughest tasks in the league.

Al Riyadh’s away fixtures tend to be open affairs, with over 0.5 goals scored in the second half in 18 of their last 20 away games. This pattern indicates that their matches often become more eventful after halftime, a trend that could continue against a side like Al Ittihad that also tends to score late. Despite their improved form, Al Riyadh’s record against the champions is daunting — 12 consecutive defeats without a single draw or victory underline the scale of the challenge ahead.

Al Ittihad vs Al Riyadh: Match Analysis and Outlook

Both teams enter this fixture with contrasting motivations. Al Ittihad are under pressure to deliver a statement performance after a poor run that has seen them slip down the table. Their attack remains potent, but defensive lapses have cost them valuable points. The return to home soil could be the perfect opportunity to reset their campaign, especially given their dominant record against Al Riyadh.

Al Riyadh, on the other hand, will look to build on their recent unbeaten streak. Their improved organization and resilience have been evident in recent matches, but their defensive fragility remains a concern. To stand a chance in Jeddah, they will need to stay compact and capitalize on counterattacks. However, their historical struggles against Al Ittihad and their poor away defensive record suggest that maintaining that discipline for 90 minutes will be difficult.

Given both sides’ tendencies to concede and score in the second half, this match could produce goals on both ends. Al Ittihad’s attacking firepower, combined with Al Riyadh’s newfound confidence, sets the stage for an entertaining contest. Yet, the hosts’ superior quality and home advantage make them clear favourites to claim all three points.

Al Ittihad vs Al Riyadh prediction by BetMines:
The most likely outcome is an Al Ittihad win (1) with a 65% probability. The Draw (X) follows at 19%, while an Al Riyadh win (2) stands at 16%.