Al Ittihad will host Al Taawon in the second round of the Saudi Pro League on Thursday, 29 August.
With both teams starting the new season with wins secured by goals in stoppage time, who will get the three points from this match? Read our Al Ittihad vs Al Taawon prediction to find that out and more.
Contents
Al Ittihad vs Al Taawon prediction: Al Ittihad as the frontrunner
Key stats
- We saw fewer than three goals in four of the last seven H2H meetings between these teams.
- Al Ittihad have gone under 2.5 total goals in three games in a row, Al Taawon have done so in their last four.
- Both teams have struggled to score in the first round of the new season, scoring only in the stoppage time of their respective matches, while keeping a clean sheet.
Correct score prediction: Al Ittihad 2-0 Al Taawon
Al Ittihad have struggled to get wins against Al Taawon recently and they needed a goal in 94th minute against Al Kholood to secure a win in the first round, but we can see them doing better and home to get a win over Al Taawon, while keeping a clean sheet again.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Al Ittihad with the advantage
- HOME: 4/5 (1.80) – 55.6%
- DRAW: 4/1 (4.00) – 25%
- AWAY: 10/3 (4.33) – 23.1%
Al Ittihad are the expected winners here based on the Al Ittihad vs Al Taawon odds and we understand why given how much better they are on paper compared to the guests.
That being said, Al Ittihad have struggled last season and they didn't look much better in their opening match this season, so we'll see if they can justify being the favourites in this match.
In any case, if you enjoyed our predictions for this duel, check our other today's betting tips as well.
Most recent H2Hs: Al Ittihad with a slightly better stat line
Al Ittihad won two out of the past five matches against Al Taawon, however, last season both of their duels have ended in draws. Meanwhile, Al Ittihad have a better record overall: 14-8-8.
Saudi Arabia Pro League 05/04/24
Al Ittihad Jeddah
Al Taawon Buraidah
Saudi Arabia Pro League 20/10/23
Al Taawon Buraidah
Al Ittihad Jeddah
Saudi Arabia Pro League 03/05/23
Al Taawon Buraidah
Al Ittihad Jeddah
Saudi Arabia Pro League 26/12/22
Al Ittihad Jeddah
Al Taawon Buraidah
Saudi Arabia Cup 21/02/22
Al Taawon Buraidah
Al Ittihad Jeddah
Al Ittihad preview: Can they start the season with two wins?
After last' season's fifth-place finish, Al Ittihad brought in Laurent Blanc to steady the ship, but his team looked ineffective in the opening match of the season once again, only securing a win after scoring a late goal in stoppage time. Their next opponent is a team that's done well last season and it will be a good test to see where Al Ittihad are at the moment.
Predicted lineup: Rajkovic (GK), Al Saqour, Al Mousa, Felipe, Kadesh, Kante, Fabinho, Diaby, Al Ghamdi, Aouar & Benzema
Saudi Arabia Pro League 29/08/24
W
Al Taawon Buraidah
1
Al Ittihad Jeddah
2
Saudi Arabia Pro League 24/08/24
W
Al Kholood
0
Al Ittihad Jeddah
1
Elite Club Friendlies 07/08/24
W
Inter Milan
0
Al Ittihad Jeddah
2
World Club Friendlies 03/08/24
L
Real Betis
4
Al Ittihad Jeddah
1
World Club Friendlies 26/07/24
L
Sevilla
1
Al Ittihad Jeddah
0
Al Taawon preview: Hoping to again do well against the favoured opponents
Last season Al Taawon suprised many by finishing in fourth place, five points ahead their next opponent Al Ittihad, who were the defending champions. Despite not having so many big names as the other Saudi teams, they were competitive and they already notched a win to start the new season, even if it was hard to get it.
Predicted lineup: Mailson (GK), Al Nasser, Al Ahmad, Girotto, Al Jumaiya, El Mahdioui, Barrow, Bahusayn, Flavio, Al Kuwaykibi & Pedro
Saudi Arabia Pro League 29/08/24
L
Al Ittihad Jeddah
2
Al Taawon Buraidah
1
Saudi Arabia Pro League 22/08/24
W
Al Fayha
0
Al Taawon Buraidah
1
Saudi Arabia Super Cup 14/08/24
L
Al-Nassr Riyadh
2
Al Taawon Buraidah
0
Saudi Arabia Pro League 27/05/24
W
Al Ittifaq Dammam
0
Al Taawon Buraidah
1
Saudi Arabia Pro League 23/05/24
D
Al Fayha
1
Al Taawon Buraidah
1
Player to watch: Karim Benzema
After a disappointing last season for both his team and Benzema himself, we expect to see the former Ballon d'or winner hit the ground running from the start this time around.
Can Benzema score first?
While he has only scored nine times in the last term the Saudi Pro League, Benzema was the first goalscorer in five matches last season and we can see that being the case against Al Taawon.
