Saudi Clasico Preview: Zakri Bets on a Draw as Berghuis Stings Benzema in Jeddah

Match context and key players

The Algerian coach Nordin Zakri, the former mentor of Al-Khuloud, believes the Saudi Clasico between Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal will be a hard-fought duel for both clubs, and that a draw is a plausible outcome given the form and obstacles each side faces.

The clash is set in Jeddah on Friday, as the sixth round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League unfolds.

Zakri commented on television: “The match is tough for both teams. The Italian coach Inzaghi with Al-Hilal is still building his system, while the Portuguese coach Consenso with Al-Ittihad is finding his footing to improve results.” He added, “I expect a draw in this encounter.”

He also pointed out that Consenso faces the challenge of players who may not be fully match-fit, and that Al-Ittihad’s pre-season might not have been ideal for readiness.

Regarding the attack, he noted, “Injuries to Karim Benzema are significant, but he remains a key figure in the offensive setup.” Yet Zakri underscored that there is someone possibly more dangerous in Al-Ittihad’s attack: Dutch winger Steven Berghuis.

“Benzema will be closely watched, but Berghuis’ movement makes him perhaps more dangerous,” Zakri said, underscoring the challenge for Hilal’s defense.

On the Hilal side, Zakri added that if Salem Al-Dosari is fit, he could be the primary source of danger for the league leaders in the match.

Notes on tactics, injuries and squad depth

Zakri also offered thoughts on Al-Nassr, calling them the best team in the Saudi league at present and noting that their top-of-table surge is not a fluke.

He suggested Al-Nassr would benefit from developing playmaking options to support Ronaldo rather than adding another pure scorer, arguing that a combination of dangerous wingers and a quality creator has positively impacted Ronaldo’s involvement and effectiveness.

He observed that a strong set of wingers and a creative number ten has positively influenced the team and Ronaldo’s role in attack.

Turning to Al-Shabab, Zakri described their start to the season as “strange and disappointing,” with a slow league opening and just one point from two ACL group-stage matches. He stressed that, on paper, Shabab fields top players like Hamdanallah, Carlos Junior and Karasco, but there are moments when the team lacks cohesion and spirit.

Moving to Al-Ittihad, Zakri noted a worrying injury for Hassan Kadsh ahead of the Clasico at the Enma Stadium in Jeddah. The Saudi daily Al-Yom reported Kadsh missed training due to an injury and is undergoing rehabilitation, with his absence potentially impacting the defense and squad balance.

Kadsh had been out for around four months and had just returned to action after a long layoff, including a stint in the AFC Champions League. His absence would complicate coach Consenso’s plans as he weighs his eight-foreign-player limit and selections for the left-back position. Metai, an Albanian defender, is seen as a likely option for the left side, though this shift could limit the use of another foreigner in the lineup.

In terms of squad depth, the coach would have to decide which of the eight foreign players to accommodate, with possible changes among goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders, and a careful balance to keep Benzema, Berghuis, and the supporting cast firing on all cylinders.

Kadsh’s long absence is notable: the 33-year-old has appeared in 72 matches for Al-Ittihad with 3 goals and 2 assists in 5,730 minutes; he previously played 84 matches for Al-Ettifaq (1 goal, 6 assists), and also logged significant minutes for Al-Taawoun with five goals and one assist across 72 games. Kadsh’s return could shift the balance in this high-stakes derby, especially given the pressure on Al-Ittihad to steady their domestic form.

As the teams prepare for kick-off, the tactical chess game between Inzaghi’s and Consenso’s approaches will be fascinating to watch, with Kadsh’s availability adding another layer to the narrative. Expect a tense, tightly contested encounter with chances at both ends, and a result that could shape the league’s mid-season narrative.

Final thought: if the game ends in a draw, both sets of fans might claim a moral victory—until the group chat starts exploding with “referee bias” memes. And yes, the trophy is still a long surrender to hope, so bring snacks.

Punchline time, sniper-style: first shot—if a draw is the target, consider it a well-placed landing, not a misfire; second shot—in a derby, the best season ticket is a sense of humor, because that scoreboard can flip faster than you can say “Berghuis is on fire.”