Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — Al Ittihad go face Al Shabab for the first semi-final of the Saudi King’s Cup on April 1, 2025. As Pro League leaders, Al Ittihad dey chase domestic double dis season, but dem need to step up against a strong and in-form Al Shabab side.
Kick-off for dis match go be at 11:30 PM IST (7:00 PM UK, 2:00 PM US ET, 11:00 AM US PT). Fans fit catch the action on DAZN in the UK and Fox Soccer Plus in the US; however, the game no go dey televised in the US.
For Al Ittihad, injury issues dey affect dem lineup. Algeria international Houssem Aouar and Netherlands winger Steven Bergwijn go miss the match due to hamstring and ankle injuries respectively. The predicted starting XI go likely be Rajkovic; Al Mousa, Pereira, Sharahili; Al Shanqeeti, Al Nashri, Al Obod, Al Ghamdi; Diaby, Benzema, Al Shehri.
Meanwhile, Al Shabab no dey lucky too. Dem also get some players wey dey injured like goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu and attacker Fahad Al Muwallad. The expected lineup for Al Shabab go be Al Maiouf; Al Thani, Al Sharari, Hoedt, Roberto Renan; Aljuwayr, Kamara; Cristian Guanca, Bonaventura, Podence; Hamdallah.
Al Ittihad don show strong performance under manager Laurent Blanc dis season, but recent injuries fit change the game stratagem for them. Despite dis setbacks, dem still dey favorites to win, especially as dem dey play for home.
Al Shabab dey ride high after dem recent 6-0 win over Al Orubah, boosting their confidence. As per manager Fatih Terim, “We get game wey dey tough, but we ready to face them.” Hamdallah, wey don score 17 goals this season, go need to step up as the team’s main striker.
Dis match fit determine wetin go happen for the rest of the league season. Al Ittihad don face challenges like three draws before the international break, but dem still dey at the top with plenty of pressure for them.
With both teams getting injury concern, the game fit favor whoever get the best mental strength and strategy on the pitch. Fans dey expect fireworks as dis clash dey loom. Al Ittihad fans dey hope say the home advantage go carry dem to victory.
As we dey prepare for this clash, both sides know say this semi-final no just be match, but chance to prove demsef for the cup. Expect plenty action as dis match dey approach!
