Match Overview & History
Get ready for a thrilling Saudi Pro League showdown as reigning champions Al-Ittihad face off against Al-Riyadh in Week 9. This highly anticipated fixture, set for Friday, November 21, 2025, is crucial for both teams. Al-Ittihad will be looking to regain their dominance and climb the league standings, while Al-Riyadh aims for a significant upset to improve their position.
This match promises to be a captivating encounter for all football fans and fantasy football enthusiasts. Will Al-Ittihad’s star power prevail, or can Al-Riyadh defy expectations and secure vital points?
Match Details
- Kick-off Time: 3:15 PM UTC (6:15 PM AST)
- Venue: Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
League Standings and Historical Context
Al-Ittihad:
- Current Position: 8th
- Points: 11 from 8 matches
- Objective: Climb higher in the standings.
Al-Riyadh:
- Current Position: 12th
- Points: 8 from 8 matches
- Objective: Vital game to improve league position.
Head-to-Head History:
Historically, Al-Ittihad holds a formidable record against Al-Riyadh, having won all of their last 8 encounters. The last encounter in March 2025 saw Al-Ittihad secure a 2-1 victory. Over the last five head-to-head league matches, Al-Ittihad has scored 13 goals compared to Al-Riyadh’s 1, highlighting a significant historical dominance.
Recent Form
Al-Ittihad (Saudi Pro League Last Five Games):
Al-Ittihad has shown mixed performances and inconsistent team form in their recent Saudi Pro League outings, with two draws and three losses. Specific results include a 1-1 draw vs Al-Fayha, a 0-2 loss to Al Hilal, a 4-4 draw with Al Khaleej, and a 0-1 defeat to Al Ahli SC. Their average points per game in recent outings stands at a concerning 0.4. Their objective is clear: reverse this trend and secure three crucial points at home.
Al-Riyadh (Saudi Pro League Last Five Games):
Al-Riyadh has also had a challenging run of recent form. In the 2025/2026 standings, they sit 12th with 8 points and a goal difference of -8 after eight matches. Their last five games include one win, two draws, and two losses, with specific results like a 1-1 draw against Damac FC, a 1-1 draw against Al Ahli, and a 2-0 defeat to Al Fateh. Their objective is to gain momentum, overcome their historical disadvantage against Al-Ittihad, and secure valuable points.
Key Players
Al-Ittihad (2025-2026 Season):
Al-Ittihad boasts a roster of star players crucial to their strategy and popular among fantasy football picks.
- Forwards: Karim Benzema (37), Moussa Diaby (26), Steven Bergwijn (28), Saleh Al Shehri (32).
- Midfield: N’Golo Kanté (34), Fabinho (32), Houssem Aouar (27), Mahamadou Doumbia (21).
- Defense: Danilo Pereira (34), Mario Mitaj (22), Jan-Carlo Simic (20), Ahmed Sharahili (31).
- Goalkeeper: Predrag Rajkovic (30).
Fantasy Football Insight: Karim Benzema is a high-value pick due to his scoring form (3 goals in 5 appearances this season), while Moussa Diaby’s pace makes him a strong differential.
Al-Riyadh (2025-2026 Season):
Al-Riyadh’s squad features important players and new additions from recent transfer news, anticipated to be central to their efforts.
- Goalkeepers: Milan Borjan, Jan Petek.
- Defense: Yoann Barbet, Sergio González (new free transfer), Ahmed Khatir (new free transfer), Osama Al-Bawardi.
- Midfield: Tozé, Ismaila Soro, Ibrahim Bayesh, Saud bin Zaydan, Maher Al-Mutairi (incoming).
- Forwards: Mamadou Sylla, Teddy Okou, Nasser Al Bishi.
Fantasy Football Insight: Tozé could be a differential for Al-Riyadh, offering creative potential from midfield. New free transfers like Sergio González are expected to shore up Al-Riyadh’s defense, a key piece of their transfer news this season.
Team News and Player Absences
Al-Ittihad Absences:
- Muath Faqeehi: Foot injury (expected return late November 2025).
- Saad Al-Mousa: Broken ankle (long-term absentee, out until March 2026).
- B. Ortega Carmona: Ineligible until December 31, 2025.
- H. Abdullah Yousef & M. Ali Barnawi: Away on national team duty (return dates pending).
Boost: Karim Benzema is available and expected to play a crucial attacking role, having scored 3 goals in 5 Saudi Pro League appearances this season.
Al-Riyadh Absences:
- Ibrahim Bayesh: Sidelined with unknown injury until early December 2025.
- A. Abu Khalifa: Ineligible until the end of 2025.
- Saud Al Tumbukti, Faisal Al Shamrani, Talal Haji: Away on international duty (impacting defensive and midfield options).
Note: Conflicting reports exist regarding squad availability, with some suggesting readiness of all members, while detailed injury/international call-up reports indicate otherwise.
Last Encounter Details (March 13, 2025)
- Result: Al-Ittihad 2-1 Al-Riyadh.
- Al-Ittihad Scorers: Moussa Diaby (assisted by Abdulrahman Al-Oboud), Saleh Al-Shehri (penalty).
- Al-Riyadh Scorers: Ibrahim Bayesh (assisted by Abdulelah Al-Khaibri).
Match Statistics:
- Possession: Al-Ittihad 58% – Al-Riyadh 42%.
- Shots: Al-Ittihad 12 (5 on target), Al-Riyadh 12 (4 on target).
This match cemented Al-Ittihad’s dominant head-to-head record and highlighted their ability to win, while also showing Al-Riyadh’s capacity to create chances despite the loss.
Match Prediction and Conclusion
The fixture is expected to be a compelling battle for football supremacy. Al-Ittihad are favorites due to their historical dominance and star power, led by Karim Benzema. However, their recent form dip and absences require attention. Al-Riyadh, desperate for points, could pose a significant threat despite their league position and player unavailability.
Call to Action: Tune in for live football updates and match day excitement! For live football updates and match day excitement, follow the Official Saudi Pro League Twitter or check your local broadcaster’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is Al-Ittihad vs Al-Riyadh kick-off?
The match kicks off at 3:15 PM UTC (6:15 PM AST) on Friday, November 21, 2025.
Where to watch Saudi Pro League Week 9?
Please check your local sports broadcasters or official league streaming platforms for viewing information. For official league news, visit the Saudi Pro League website.
Who are Al-Ittihad’s top players for Week 9?
Key players include Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Moussa Diaby, and Fabinho, all expected to play crucial roles.
About the Author
