Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq Prediction

Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq Prediction: Stats, Tips & Tactical Preview

Welcome to our Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq prediction, where two of Saudi Arabia’s most intriguing sides meet on January 16, 2026, at 17:30 GMT in Jeddah. With both teams neck-and-neck in the league standings and plenty at stake, this fixture promises drama, goals, and a few twists for punters and fans alike.

Team Form, Key Players, and Tactical Insights

Al Ittihad, currently holding 6th place with 23 points, are just a single point ahead of Al Ettifaq in 7th. Recent form suggests the home side are in a purple patch: five wins in their last six matches, 11 goals scored, and only two conceded—plus four clean sheets. Their last league outing was a tight 1-1 draw with Damac, but confidence remains high.

Al Ettifaq, meanwhile, are no pushovers. They’ve picked up four wins and a draw in their last five across all competitions, though a recent 2-1 home defeat to Al Khaleej has dampened spirits slightly. Still, their ability to find the net—especially away from home—means they can’t be underestimated.

• Injuries & Suspensions: Al Ittihad will miss Houssem Aouar and Saad Al Mousa due to injury, with Fabinho suspended. For Al Ettifaq, Ahmed Hassan is injured and Ondrej Duda is suspended.
• Players to Watch: Karim Benzema is the main man for Al Ittihad, already boasting seven goals in ten league appearances. For Al Ettifaq, Georginio Wijnaldum is the creative heartbeat, with 12 goal contributions in 14 games.
• Tactics: Sérgio Conceição’s Al Ittihad thrive on high pressing and quick transitions, while Saad Al Shehri’s Al Ettifaq focus on possession and creative play in the final third.

The head to head record favors Al Ittihad, who have won 18 of 32 meetings, including the last two. Their home form is strong, with four wins at Alinma Stadium this season, while Al Ettifaq’s away games often see plenty of goals—over 2.5 in 70% of matches.

Betting Odds, AI Tips, and Statistical Analysis

Let’s talk numbers. The current betting odds are telling: Al Ittihad are clear favorites at 1.4 for the home win, with a draw at 4.5 and an Al Ettifaq victory at a distant 6.5. Our AI at NerdyTips is extremely confident, giving a trust level of 10.0/10 to the home win (odds 1.37) for the best 1x2 bet. If you’re looking for a safe bet, this is as close as it gets—though, as always, football has a way of making fools of us all!

• Recommended bet: Al Ittihad to win (1), trust score 10.0/10, odds 1.37.
• Best over/under bet: Over 2.5 total goals, trust rating 2.3, odds 1.53.

Our AI predicts a convincing 3:0 victory for Al Ittihad, with a 2:0 lead expected by half-time. The home side is tipped to dominate possession (64%), rack up 18 shots (6 on target), and win 7 corners. Al Ettifaq are forecast to muster just 7 shots (2 on target) and 2 corners. Interestingly, neither team is expected to pick up a yellow card—so perhaps the referee will have a quiet evening!

Why the Numbers Back the Home Side

1. Al Ittihad’s squad value (€140.35m) dwarfs Al Ettifaq’s (€31.88m), reflecting their depth and quality.
2. Recent head to head history: Al Ittihad won 3-2 in their last meeting and have claimed victory in the last two encounters.
3. Both teams are in decent form, but Al Ittihad’s defensive solidity and attacking firepower—especially at home—are hard to ignore.

For those who like their bets with a bit more spice, the over 2.5 goals market looks tempting. Matches between these sides are rarely dull, and with attacking talent on both teams, goals seem likely.

Final Thoughts: Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq Prediction

To sum up our Al Ittihad vs Al Ettifaq prediction: expect a dominant performance from the home side, with Benzema and company likely to put on a show for the Jeddah faithful. The stats, betting odds, and head to head record all point towards a comfortable Al Ittihad win, with plenty of action in front of goal. But remember, in football, the only sure thing is that nothing is ever certain—except maybe the half-time snacks.

For punters, the home win and over 2.5 total goals are the standout picks. For fans, this is one to watch—whether you’re cheering for the yellow and black or hoping for an away upset.