Al-Ittihad is set to host Al-Shabab at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on December 27, 2025, for a significant fixture in the Saudi Pro League’s 11th round. The highly anticipated match pits a formidable Al-Ittihad side, currently vying for the top spots, against an Al-Shabab team grappling with inconsistent form and league struggles. This encounter carries substantial weight for both clubs, impacting their respective ambitions in the domestic campaign.
Under the guidance of manager Marcelo Gallardo, Al-Ittihad enters this clash in impressive form, particularly when playing on their home ground. The team has secured victories in their last three home fixtures, showcasing a consistent ability to deliver strong performances and maintain their push towards the summit of the league table. Their strategic play and determined approach reflect a clear ambition to reclaim a leading position among the league’s elite.
The presence of international football luminaries such as Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, and Steven Bergwijn provides Al-Ittihad with a significant advantage in terms of attacking prowess and overall squad depth. These star players have been pivotal in the team’s recent successes, contributing to a high level of play and clinical finishing that has been a hallmark of their campaign.
Al-Ittihad’s recent competitive record further underscores their strength, including a commanding 4-1 victory over Al-Shabab in the King Cup just a month prior. This dominant performance highlighted their capacity to control game tempo and convert opportunities effectively. Furthermore, a resilient 1-0 win against Nasaf in the AFC Champions League demonstrated the team’s defensive maturity and ability to secure crucial results under pressure.
In stark contrast, Al-Shabab is enduring a challenging period, currently positioned 13th in the Saudi Pro League standings. Their recent form has been a cause for concern, with the team recording only one victory in their last six league matches, alongside three draws. This inconsistent run has seen them drop valuable points, even against teams lower in the table, raising questions about their ability to find a winning rhythm.
Away fixtures have proven particularly difficult for the “Black and Whites” this season, yielding just a single point from their last three road matches. Defensive vulnerabilities have frequently been exploited by opponents, leading to costly concessions. Compounding these issues, the team’s attacking unit has struggled to consistently generate the necessary creativity required to compensate for their defensive frailties.
Squad issues and the absence of key players have further hampered Al-Shabab’s efforts to establish consistency and rediscover their form. Despite these significant challenges, the team’s roster still boasts individual talents such as Abderrazak Hamdallah and Alex Brownhill, who possess the capability to produce moments of individual brilliance and pose a genuine threat to opposing defences.
Historical encounters between these two Saudi football powerhouses predominantly favour Al-Ittihad. The home side has emerged victorious in four of their last five meetings against Al-Shabab, a statistic that reinforces their psychological and tactical superiority in this specific rivalry. This pattern of dominance adds another layer to the narrative surrounding Saturday’s impending clash.
Given Al-Ittihad’s superior form, home advantage, and the strength of their squad, observers widely anticipate a proactive approach from the hosts. They are expected to leverage their offensive firepower and exploit Al-Shabab’s recent defensive fragilities and current lack of cohesion. The match is poised to be a tactical battle, with Al-Ittihad aiming to assert early control.
For Al-Ittihad, securing all three points is crucial to maintain pressure on the league leaders and reinforce their aspirations for the title. Conversely, for Al-Shabab, any positive result would represent a significant morale boost and a vital step towards halting their descent down the table, potentially easing the mounting pressure on their coaching staff and players.
