Preview: Al Wahda vs. Al Ittihad - prediction, team news, lineups

The Red Giant could move level on points with the visitors, while the away side could maintain their 100 percent league record this term.

Match preview

A 1-0 defeat by Al Riyadh in the opening round of games has turned out to be a blip for Al Wahda, whose response to that defeat has been two consecutive wins in the league.

Defeating Al Shabab and Al Tai has accrued six points for Giorgos Donis' team, who have netted six times and conceded one in the recent 180 minutes of action.

Interestingly, the Red Giant have had six different goal scorers in those victories, a statistic that can be interpreted positively or negatively.

On the one hand, it shows the hosts are not reliant on any player; on the other hand, it could leave them without a player keen to take responsibility when they are in a tough spot.

It remains to be seen how gameweek four goes for Al Wahda, but three consecutive league wins have a gratifying ring.

As for Al Ittihad, they are without blemish after three league encounters this term, defeating Al Raed, Al Tai and Al Riyadh without conceding a goal.

They have netted nine goals in their opening three league games, with Karim Benzema opening his league account for the club in the 4-0 triumph over Al Riyadh.

The Frenchman has assisted two goals in the opening three games, taking him to three goal involvements to start the campaign — making the former Real Madrid superstar the go-to attacker for Nuno Espirito Santo's troops.

The top-scoring Tigers are favourites to secure maximum points in round three, with their nine goals making them the league's most prolific side, and they remain the only club to keep clean sheets in every game.

Nuno's men may eventually concede in gameweek four, but they seem primed to remain without blemish.

Al Wahda Saudi Pro League form:

L

W

W

Al Ittihad Saudi Pro League form:

W

W

W

Al Ittihad form (all competitions):

W

W

W

W

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Team News

Odion Ighalo could make his first start for Al Wahda on Monday, with the Nigerian coming off the bench to open his account at the club against Al Tai.

Abdulquddus Atiah's goalkeeping expertise could increase the home side's prospects on Monday — the shot-sopper saved a penalty in the 3-1 success over Al Shabab in gameweek two.

Donis has utilised a back four all season, and the manager should not change tack on Monday.

Benzema is Al Ittihad's best player, and the Frenchman could star when they travel to Al Wahda despite reports of a bust-up with his manager.

Nuno could also call upon the expertise of N'Golo Kante and Fabinho in the middle of the park, with the erstwhile Chelsea and Liverpool midfielders bringing their know-how to the away side's midfield.

Abderrazak Hamdallah has netted in every league game so far, scoring four times after three games, and the Moroccan should start as he seeks to find the back of the net yet again.

Marcelo Grohe saved Saleh Al Abbas' 89th-minute penalty to prevent Al Ittihad from conceding against Al Riyadh, and the goalkeeper could face another tough outing as he looks to keep another clean sheet.

Al Wahda possible starting lineup:

Atiah; Al Muwallad, El Yamiq, Al-Hafith, Hawsawi; Noor, Al-Hejji, Fajr, Al Issa; Anselmo, Ighalo

Al Ittihad possible starting lineup:

Grohe; Al-Olayan, Hawsawi, Sharahili, Alshanqeeti; Kante, Fabinho; Romarinho, Hamdallah, Coronado; Benzema

We say: Al Wahda 1-3 Al Ittihad

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