Saudi Pro League Showdown: Ittihad Unleashes an Arsenal of Firepower Against Al Khulood
9 January 2026
Match context
In King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Buraydah, Al Ittihad faces Al Khulood in the 14th round of the 2025-2026 Roshen Saudi Pro League.
Head coach Sergio Conceicao revealed the starting XI, opting to keep the core group that impressed in the previous fixtures against Neom and Taawon.
Lineups and standings
Goalkeeper: Predrag Rajkovic.
Defence: Muhannad Al-Shanqiti, Danilo Pereira, Ahmed Sharahili, Hassan Kadish.
Midfield: Fabinho, N'Golo Kanté, Steven Bergwijn.
Attack: Karim Benzema, Moussa Diaby, Roger Fernandes.
Absences: Serbian Yvan Karlo Simić and Albanian Mario Metaj were unavailable for technical reasons, along with Algerian Houssam Ouarr due to injury, and Malian Mamadou Doumbia out to AFCON duties.
Al Ittihad currently sit sixth in the Roshen Saudi Pro League with 23 points, while Al Khulood languishes in 12th with 12 points.
Outlook
The clash deepens the battle for a top spot as Conceicao's men aim to maintain momentum and tighten their grip on qualification for the continental stages.
Punchline 1: If Benzema finds space, the net will file a police report for excessive scoring.
Punchline 2: I came for the goals, stayed for the punditry—my snack choice is still unclear, but the applause is loud.
