Fri Sep 12 17:30:00 UTC 2025: **Al Ittihad Look to Continue Dominance as They Host Al Fateh**
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad will host Al Fateh at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Friday, looking to build on their impressive start to the season. The Jeddah-based side, led by coach Laurent Blanc, are coming off a dominant 5-2 victory over Al Okhdood in their opening match, a game which saw star striker Karim Benzema net a hat-trick.
Al Fateh, managed by Jose Gomes, will be hoping to rebound from a narrow 2-1 home defeat to Al Fayha. While Al Fateh managed to secure a victory against Al Ittihad in 2025, history is firmly on the side of the home team. Al Ittihad have won their last five league matches against Al Fateh in Jeddah, outscoring them 14-3. The last time Al Fateh walked away from Jeddah undefeated was in 2019, a 1-1 draw, and their last victory at the stadium came in March of 2013.
Al Ittihad have been dominant at home in Jeddah, securing 16 wins and one draw in their 17 top-flight fixtures last season, giving their fans high expectations for Friday’s clash.
However, Al Fateh will be without Amine Sbai, after his sending-off in the team’s first match. Key players like Zaydou Youssouf and Mourad Batna, who was last season’s top scorer, are expected to play.
**Predicted Lineups:**
* **Al Ittihad (Possible):** Al-Absi; Mitaj, Danilo, Al-Mousa, Shanqeeti; Kante, Fabinho, Aouar; Bergwijn, Benzema, Diaby
* **Al Fateh (Possible):** Bukhari; Baattia, Fernandes, Saadane, Qasheesh; Batna, Youssouf, Bendebka, Al-Zubaidi; Anazi, Vargas
While Al Fateh possess the firepower to score, Al Ittihad’s formidable home record and star-studded lineup, spearheaded by Benzema, make them strong favorites to secure maximum points.
First Piper 