Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — Al Ittihad go tackle Al Fayha for the Saudi Pro League clash on Sunday, May 11, 2025, as both teams look to solidify their standings. Al Ittihad, current league leaders, face off against mid-table Al Fayha at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium. With Al Ittihad seeking to widen their lead at the top, this match is crucial for their title ambitions.
Al Ittihad became the favourites after their stirring 3-2 victory against title rivals Al Nassr last Wednesday. After trailing 2-0 at halftime, their star striker, Karim Benzema, managed an outstanding comeback with two rapid goals within three minutes before securing victory with a stoppage-time strike. This win left them six points clear at the top of the table, with 71 points from 30 games, showcasing their dominance this season.
In contrast, Al Fayha heads into the match on a high note, having recently snatched a 2-1 win against Damac. However, their away form has been problematic, managing only three victories in their last 17 away matches. Additionally, they have conceded 42 goals this campaign, a statistic that raises concerns ahead of facing the league’s leading team.
Historically, Al Fayha has struggled against Al Ittihad, losing their last eight matchups with an aggregate score of 16-3. Their last victory against Ittihad was in April 2022 during the King Cup, meaning anything less than a win this weekend would extend a winless run to nine matches for Al Fayha against the top club.
Coach Nuno Espírito Santo has no injury worries going into the encounter. However, the absence of Benzema due to suspension could hinder Al Ittihad’s offensive line. Despite this, they are confident that skilled players like Kante and Fabinho can fill the gap, and fans expect the home side to maintain their attacking intensity.
For Al Fayha, they will look to their top players, including Pozuelo and Kaabi, to pose a threat against Al Ittihad’s solid defense anchored by their back three. The coaches are expected to field their strongest line-up as they stand at pivotal moments in the league.
Statistics show that Al Ittihad have won 14 of their 15 home fixtures this season with only one draw. Their attacking prowess is reflected in their ability to score multiple goals consistently. Given the current form and home advantage, many analysts predict a routine win for Al Ittihad, likely ending with a scoreline of 3-1.
As this exciting fixture unfolds at 7 PM local time, both teams have much to play for, but fans will be eager to see if Al Ittihad can keep their lead intact while Al Fayha fights to change their fortunes.
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