Al-Ittihad vs Al-Wehda

Al Nahyan Stadium forms the backdrop for an exciting Saudi Arabia’s Super Cup semi-final tie between Al-Ittihad and Al-Wehda.

Already out of the AFC Champions League knockouts and on the cusp of surrendering the Saudi Pro League crown to Al-Hilal, this is Al-Ittihad’s best chance to avoid a trophyless campaign, though they’re still in contention for King Cup glory. However, after back-to-back two-goal margin wins in the wake of their Champions League exit at the hands of Al-Hilal, Marcelo Gallardo’s men have failed to get on the scoresheet in two consecutive league outings (D1, L1). That’s hardly an ideal warm-up for this ‘make or break’ fixture, but they can draw confidence from their imperious form against Al-Wehda. Since a 2-1 home league loss in March 2020, the ‘Chief of Clubs’ have won seven consecutive H2Hs across various competitions, netting at least two goals six times!

On the other hand, Al-Wehda’s pursuit of their maiden Super Cup success comes amidst the club’s disastrous run of form. Except for a 2-1 away league victory against Al-Feiha earlier in April, they have not won any of their seven remaining competitive matches in 2024 (D3, L4), scoring under 1.5 goals in five! Giorgos Donis’ men have failed to compensate for their profligacy in front of goal on the other end of the pitch, as you’d need to go back to early December for Al-Wehda’s last clean sheet. Indeed, they’ve conceded in 11 consecutive games in the build-up to this contest, casting significant doubt on their hopes of pulling off their first shutout against Al-Ittihad since October 2019.