The battle of the Coast begins as the Sea Derby between arch rivals Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli Saudi for regional supremacy takes place in Jeddah in an hour.
The Roshn Saudi League’s Match Day 8 will culminate tonight with the Sea Derby as Al-Ittihad, the Defending Champions, languishing in 8th position by their high standards, will look to improve their position. A win will take them to 6th, while a loss will bring no change. A draw too will be of no help.
Al-Ahli Saudi have been unbeaten so far in the league. However, their 4 draws and 3 wins in 7 games have pushed them down to 6th position. A win against Al-Ittihad tonight will take them to 4th on the table.
The rivalry between the two teams has been fierce over the years. The last 5 matches have witnessed two wins each for either club and a solitary draw. There is nothing much to choose between the two sides.
In my opinion, however, considering the present form, Al-Ahli Saudi might just hold the aces. The Jeddah Club has been brilliant in defence and has conceded just 5 goals in 7 matches, which is just one more than Al-Nassr, the League leaders. Al-Ittihad have been poor in keeping the opposition at bay and have conceded 13 goals already ( including 4 against Al Khaleej last week). The feeble defence might just be Al-Ittihad’s Achilles’ heel.
Al-Ahli Saudi have been disappointed when it comes to scoring ( a massive reason for their 4 draws). With Riyad Mahrez and Al-Buraikan in the line-up, Al-Ahli have scored just 9 times in 7 games in the league, which has dented their progress this season. Al-Ittihad, having scored 15 times, appears to be a much better side when it comes to scoring intent. Karim Benzema, the old warhorse and Diaby have looked good.
It is going to be an interesting contest, but Al-Ahli might just pip Al-Ittihad to the post with a probable 2-1 win.
We shall soon find out.
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