Derby Day Dilemma: Four Stars Excluded as Ittihad Brace for Al-Hilal, Planes’ Era Looms
23 October 2025
Conceição Excludes Four Players Ahead of the Derby
The Portuguese coach Sérgio Conceição has left four Al-Ittihad players out of the squad for Friday's Roshen Saudi League clash with Al-Hilal, citing technical or injury concerns as the reason for the omissions.
The quartet—Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, Roger Fernandes, Hassan Kadish, and Muath Faqihy—missed the upcoming fixture while continuing rehabilitation programs, keeping their participation in doubt for the weekend.
Back in training, the rest of the squad is pushing hard for a positive result in the sixth round, with conditioning work continuing as they prepare to face the Classico rival.
Key Players and Lineup Context
Before the derby, Al-Ittihad sit fifth with 10 points, just one point behind the leaders in fourth, Al-Hilal. Al-Nasr currently lead the standings with 15 points, setting a tight title race scene as the two giants collide.
On the blue side, plans to resolve uncertainty around recruitment and squad composition continue, with Ramon Planes’ role at the club in focus as his future is debated by fans and media.
For Al-Hilal, a separate storyline centers on injuries and fitness levels ahead of a crucial match, as the team weighs preparations in Riyadh before heading to Jeddah.
Head-to-Head History and Standings
The Saudi Derby has long been a showcase of intensity, with Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal sharing a rich rivalry in the league. Al-Hilal’s defense of the title or attempts to close the gap could hinge on how the ball rolls under pressure on derby night.
In October encounters, Al-Hilal has had several results, while Al-Ittihad aims to flip the narrative as they seek a rare win against their arch-rivals.
Punchline time If this derby had a mood ring, tonight’s mood would be “unpredictable.”
Punchline two My tip for the match: invest in goals, because defense is just a suggestion in this fixture.
Meanwhile, the broader context of the league adds spice: a derby in a season where every point matters and surprises are the currency of triumph. The clash promises drama, strategy, and an appetite for sensational moments from two of Saudi football’s most storied clubs.
