TIPS - Al Wahda VS Al Ittihad Jeddah

[(Al Wahda) Strength]:
1. Al Wahda FC forward Omar Khribin has scored 4 goals in 4 appearances this new season and is currently the team's most reliable scorer.
2. Al Wahda FC drew 0-0 away against Ittihad Kalba in the last league match, recording 2 wins and 3 draws in 5 official matches this season with stable form.
3. Al Wahda FC's attack has been decent, scoring 7 goals in the last 5 competitive matches, averaging 1.4 goals per game.
4. Al Wahda FC have a solid defense, conceding only 3 goals in the last 5 competitive matches, with 3 clean sheets during this period.
5. Al Wahda FC have been very stable at home, with a record of 4 wins, 5 draws, and 1 loss in the last 10 competitive home matches, boasting a 90% unbeaten rate.
6. Al Wahda FC last appeared in the AFC Champions League in 2021, marking their return to this continental competition after four years.

[(Al Wahda) Weakness]:
1. Al Wahda FC recorded 1 draw and 6 losses in their last seven AFC Champions League opening matches, with their last opening match win dating back to 2007.

[(Al Ittihad Jeddah) Strength]:
1. Al Ittihad Jeddah forward Steven Bergwijn scored a brace in the last league match, contributing 3 goals and 1 assist in 2 league games this season, showing great activity in attack.
2. Al Ittihad Jeddah defeated Al Fateh SC 4-2 at home in the last league match, winning both of their opening two league games this season with fiery form.
3. Al Ittihad Jeddah boast formidable attacking firepower, scoring 9 goals in 2 league matches this season, averaging 4.5 goals per game.
4. Al Ittihad Jeddah are highly competitive away from home, with a record of 6 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss in the last 10 competitive away matches, achieving a 60% win rate.
5. Al Ittihad Jeddah did not qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite last season. This season, they enter the AFC Champions League Elite as Saudi Pro League champions, aiming to prove their strength on a bigger stage.
6. The two sides have met 6 times previously in the AFC Champions League Elite, with Al Ittihad Jeddah recording 3 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, holding a clear advantage in head-to-head encounters.

[(Al Ittihad Jeddah) Weakness]:
1. Al Ittihad Jeddah star striker Karim Benzema scored a hat-trick in the opening league match of the new season, showing excellent individual form. However, he missed the last league match due to a muscle injury sustained in training and may not feature in this game.
2. Al Ittihad Jeddah have significant defensive issues, conceding 4 goals in 2 league matches this season, with 2 goals conceded in each game.

[Tips]:
Al Wahda FC have been in stable form this new season, remaining unbeaten in 5 competitive matches so far.

The team are well-balanced in both offense and defense, and their home performances have been very consistent.

Al Ittihad Jeddah have shown strong form in the new league season, winning both of their opening two matches with an explosive attacking display, though there are some concerns in their defense.

In this match, Al Ittihad Jeddah's star striker Karim Benzema may be unavailable.

However, despite Al Wahda FC playing at home, they have not received sufficient support from the AH line.

Thus, Al Ittihad Jeddah are fancied to win!

[Recommended]:
Al Ittihad Jeddah (-0.5/1)