Al Shabab vs Al Ittihad

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Al Shabab is set to host the current champions, Al Ittihad, at the King Fahd International Stadium in the Saudi Pro League this coming Friday.

Al Shabab, the home team, has displayed inconsistency in their league campaign so far and currently occupies the 11th spot in the league standings with 12 points. In their recent league match, they suffered a 2-1 defeat on the road against Abha, during which Iago Azevedo dos Santos was red-carded and will be suspended for the upcoming game.

The visiting team, Al Ittihad, is yet to secure a win in their last four league matches, culminating in a 2-2 draw at home against Al Hazm in the previous week. Karim Benzema, who has scored in two consecutive league games, opened the scoring in the 26th minute. Their poor performance has caused them to slip to the sixth position in the league standings, trailing the leaders, Al Hilal, by eight points.

Both Al Shabab and Al Ittihad emerged victorious in the King's Cup round of 16 on Tuesday, with Al Shabab winning 2-1 against Al Fateh after extra time, and Al Ittihad securing a comfortable 3-0 win over Al Feiha.

These two teams have faced each other 60 times in various competitions since 1993, with Al Ittihad holding the upper hand with 26 wins, while Al Shabab has 19 wins, and 15 matches ended in draws. In their meetings last season, Al Ittihad remained unbeaten against Al Shabab, earning a win and a draw. Additionally, Al Ittihad has been undefeated in their last four away encounters with Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League, recording two wins.

Al Shabab has demonstrated strength in their recent home games, winning their last three in all competitions, with eight goals scored and only two conceded. Interestingly, Al Ittihad has maintained an unbeaten record in away games across all competitions this season.

Al Ittihad has only managed to secure three wins in the league this season, two of which were at home. However, they've recently won their last two league games at home and aim to extend their winning streak. They have struggled at home against Al Ittihad, securing only two wins in all competitions since 2009. Aside from Iago Santos, who is suspended, head coach Igor Bišćan is expected to have a full squad for the match. Yannick Carrasco, who scored a match-winning brace in the King's Cup on Tuesday, is expected to play a crucial role for the hosts.

The Tigers, Al Ittihad, have remained unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions, keeping two clean sheets. Nonetheless, they have won only two of their last six games. Al Ittihad has been particularly successful in away games this season, securing victory in eight of their ten matches, giving them an advantage in the upcoming match.

Karim Benzema is back to full fitness and has scored a goal in each of his last three appearances for the club, making him a key player to watch in the forthcoming match.