The Saudi Professional League (SPL) is set to host a compelling encounter between Al Ittihad and Al Hazem on February 6 at 01:30. As both teams prepare for this showdown, we break down their form, key challenges, and historical context to set the stage for the match.
Al Ittihad: Riding High on Form, but Defensive Gaps Loom
Al Ittihad enters the game in exceptional form. Over their last 10 matches, they’ve secured 8 wins, 1 draw, and just 1 loss, propelling them to 3rd place in the league as they chase championship glory. Defensively, they’ve been nearly impenetrable—keeping clean sheets in their past three fixtures, a testament to their backline’s solidity.
However, a potential vulnerability exists: the team faces injury/suspension issues, with three defenders ruled out. While their attacking momentum and title-race urgency could mask this, the absence of key defensive personnel might test their resilience against a determined opponent.
Al Hazem: Battling Inconsistencies and Low Morale
For Al Hazem, the road to a positive result is steeper. Though they’ve recalled a defender to approach near-full strength, injuries persist—midfielder Otayf and center-back Ibanez are unavailable, weakening their defensive core. Their league campaign has been erratic, with just 3 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses, leaving them 11th in the standings.
Morale could also suffer from their recent struggles. Historically, Al Hazem struggles against Al Ittihad, posting a lopsided record of 1 win, 2 draws, and 7 losses in prior meetings. This psychological disadvantage may further hinder their ability to compete against a confident Al Ittihad side.
What to Watch For
Al Ittihad’s superior form, title aspirations, and dominant head-to-head record make them clear favorites. While defensive absences pose a minor risk, their attacking potency and momentum likely overshadow these concerns. For Al Hazem, overcoming defensive fragility and low confidence will be critical—if not, they may struggle to contain Al Ittihad’s potent attack.
In summary, Al Ittihad is primed for a narrow victory, though Al Hazem’s fight for survival could make the match tighter than expected.
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