Diaby Sparks Al-Ittihad's Attack as Neom Beckons: A Saudi Pro League Showdown
31 December 2025
Lineups, Venue, and Kickoff
Portuguese coach Sérgio Conceição, head coach of Al-Ittihad, has announced the official XI for the Neom game in the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Ittihad will visit Neom at King Khalid Sports City Stadium in Tabuk, in the 12th round of the Saudi Pro League.
The coach decided to reinstate French winger Moussa Diaby to the starting lineup, after missing the previous match against Al-Shabab due to suspension.
Conceição also included veteran Ahmed Sharahili in central defense, alongside Danilo Pereira, and moved Hassan Kadsh to the left flank at the expense of Albanian Mario Mitai.
Portuguese coach Roger Fernandes continued to start in midfield, after delivering a standout performance against Al-Shabab, setting up the first goal; Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, who scored in the previous match, returned to the bench.
Al-Ittihad seeks a third consecutive win in the Saudi Pro League to keep chasing rivals Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah for a top-four spot.
Neom also aims high, sitting seventh with 17 points, level on points with Al-Ittihad but behind on goal difference.
Lineup for Al-Ittihad:
Goalkeeper: Predrag Rajkovic
Defence: Mohannad Al-Shanqeeti - Danilo Pereira - Ahmed Sharahili - Hassan Kadsh
Midfield: N'Golo Kanté - Fabinho - Rogér Fernandes
Attack: Moussa Diaby - Karim Benzema - Steven Bergwijn
As kickoff approaches, fans hope for goals, drama, and a weather forecast that doesn’t involve extra time on social media debates.
Sniper punchline 1: If this lineup were a weapon, it would be a Swiss army knife—lots of tools, but only one real blade: the goal.
Sniper punchline 2: Diaby returns to the fray, and the defense begins the game‑by‑game scavenger hunt for the ball again. Good hunting, folks!
