Al-Qadsiah El-Khobar vs Al-Ittihad Jeddah on January 22
On January 22, 2026, Al-Qadsiah El-Khobar will face Al-Ittihad Jeddah in what promises to be a thrilling encounter in the Saudi Pro League at the Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Sports City in Khobar. Both teams have much at stake—Al-Qadsiah is fighting to stay out of the relegation zone, while Al-Ittihad is aiming to consolidate its position at the top of the table and continue its title push. The match is set to kick off at 19:00, and with both teams in dire need of a win, the tension will be palpable. The weather conditions could play a role in the outcome as well, with expected rain potentially making the pitch slippery and slowing down the tempo of the game.
Al-Qadsiah El-Khobar: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Al-Qadsiah enters this match on the back of a mixed run of results. Over their last five matches, they have secured two wins, two losses, and one draw. This form has left them in a precarious position in the standings, and they will need to be at their best to avoid slipping further down the table. Tactical-wise, Al-Qadsiah typically sets up in a 4-4-2 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with counter-attacking threat. They will look to use width in attack, with their wingers pushing forward to deliver crosses into the box. However, their vulnerability lies in their defensive setup, with a tendency to concede possession in the final third and a relatively high xG conceded (1.8 per match).
Key to Al-Qadsiah’s fortunes is their attacking midfielder, Ahmed Al-Dosari, who is the driving force behind their offensive transitions. Al-Dosari’s vision and passing range have been crucial in linking the midfield and attack, and he will be pivotal in creating chances against a formidable Al-Ittihad defense. However, injuries to key defenders have disrupted their backline, with the absence of their starting center-back, Fahad Al-Bishi, likely to leave them exposed to aerial duels and set-piece situations.
Al-Ittihad Jeddah: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Al-Ittihad, on the other hand, arrives at this match in strong form, having won four of their last five matches. Their most recent victory was a commanding 3-0 win against Al-Taawoun, where they demonstrated their superiority both in attack and defense. Head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has implemented a highly structured, possession-based style of play, utilizing a 4-3-3 formation. Al-Ittihad excels in building attacks from the back, controlling possession in midfield, and dominating the flanks. Their key statistical strength is their pass accuracy, averaging 84% in their last five games, and their ability to create chances from open play (xG of 2.1 per match).
The key player for Al-Ittihad is their star striker, Karim Benzema, who has been in exceptional form, scoring six goals in his last five appearances. His clinical finishing and intelligent movement off the ball make him a constant threat in the opposition’s penalty area. In midfield, Brazilian playmaker Igor Coronado provides the creative spark, pulling the strings and often dictating the tempo of the match. Al-Ittihad’s main concern heading into this fixture is their defensive frailty on set pieces, where they’ve conceded several goals this season. The fitness of their center-back, Ahmed Hegazi, will be crucial in dealing with Al-Qadsiah’s aerial threat.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In their last five encounters, Al-Ittihad Jeddah has dominated the head-to-head with four wins and one draw. Their most recent match in the previous season ended 2-1 in favor of Al-Ittihad, a game in which they controlled the possession and limited Al-Qadsiah’s chances. However, these games have been competitive, and Al-Qadsiah has shown resilience, particularly in matches played at home. Historically, Al-Qadsiah has managed to frustrate Al-Ittihad’s high press with quick counter-attacks, exploiting spaces left in transition. However, the gap in quality between the two teams has been evident in recent seasons, and Al-Qadsiah will need to be at their best to break down Al-Ittihad’s defense.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the key battles in this match will be between Al-Qadsiah’s right winger, Sami Al-Najei, and Al-Ittihad’s left-back, Fahad Al-Muwallad. Al-Najei is known for his pace and dribbling ability, and his ability to break through the defensive line could be crucial in stretching Al-Ittihad’s defense. If Al-Najei can get the better of Al-Muwallad, Al-Qadsiah could find joy on the counter, especially given Al-Ittihad’s susceptibility to counter-attacks.
Another critical area will be the midfield duel between Al-Qadsiah’s Al-Dosari and Al-Ittihad’s Coronado. Al-Dosari will need to control the tempo and disrupt Coronado’s creativity, as the Brazilian is capable of orchestrating Al-Ittihad’s attacks. The battle in the midfield will determine which team can dominate possession and create more opportunities in the final third.
Match Scenario and Prediction
This match is expected to unfold with Al-Ittihad controlling much of the possession and dictating the play from the midfield, while Al-Qadsiah will look to hit on the break, utilizing their wingers’ pace to exploit spaces in Al-Ittihad’s defensive setup. Al-Ittihad’s superior quality should ultimately shine through, and their ability to maintain a high tempo and press effectively will likely lead them to a victory. Expect Al-Qadsiah to put up a strong fight, but with Benzema in form, Al-Ittihad should edge this one. In terms of betting metrics, a total of over 2.5 goals seems likely, and Al-Ittihad to win by a 1-2 goal margin is the most probable outcome.
Final Thoughts
The match will likely hinge on Al-Qadsiah’s ability to disrupt Al-Ittihad’s fluid build-up play and find chances on the counter. Can Al-Qadsiah’s defense withstand the attacking threat from Benzema and Coronado? Will they manage to exploit Al-Ittihad’s weaknesses in set-pieces? This clash promises to be a tactical battle, and the outcome will answer whether Al-Qadsiah can rise to the occasion or if Al-Ittihad will confirm their title credentials with a dominant performance.
