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Surprise XI: Al Ittihad Unveils a Bold Start vs. Al Taawoun

3 January 2026

Surprise XI: Al Ittihad Unveils a Bold Start vs. Al Taawoun
Al Ittihad lineup ahead of the clash with Al Taawoun

Lineups and context

Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição named the Al Ittihad starting XI to face Al Taawoun on Saturday, in the 13th round of the 2025-26 Saudi Roshen League.

The lineup included Dutchman Steven Bergwijn, amid reports of a potential winter exit following disagreements with the coach.

Conceição also opted not to start Algerian Houssam Aouar despite his return from injury.

Lineup: Al Ittihad XI included: Goalkeeper Raikovic.

Goalkeeper: Raikovic

Defence: Hassan Kaddosh, Ahmed Sharahili, Danilo Pereira, Mohannad Al-Shanqiti

Midfield: N'Golo Kanté, Fabinho Tavares, Roger Fernandes

Attack: Moussa Diaby, Steven Bergwijn, Karim Benzema

Al Ittihad currently sit sixth in the Roshen Saudi League with 20 points, eight behind third-placed team from Qassim.

They have met 30 times in the Pro League, Ittihad winning 15, Taawoun 7, with 8 draws.

The last time Taawoun beat Ittihad in Jeddah was March 2018, with a 5-2 scoreline.

Punchline 1: If this lineup were a weather forecast, expect a surprise shower of goals and a Bergwijn cameo.

Punchline 2: If tactics were fashion, Conceição just unveiled a winter collection that even the bench wants to try on.

Author

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Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who started for Al Ittihad against Al Taawoun?

The lineup featured Raikovic in goal, a back four including Hassan Kaddosh, Ahmed Sharahili, Danilo Pereira, and Mohannad Al-Shanqiti, with Kanté, Fabinho, and Roger Fernandes in midfield, and Diaby, Bergwijn, Benzema up front.

Why was Bergwijn's inclusion notable?

Bergwijn was included despite reports of a potential winter exit due to disagreements with the coach.

What is Al Ittihad's league position and head-to-head history with Taawoun?

Al Ittihad are sixth with 20 points, eight behind third-placed Taawoun, and have won 15 of 30 prior Pro League meetings with Taawoun, drawing eight and losing seven.