Al Shabab vs Al-Ittihad Club

With Al Shabab sitting 12th and looking to escape the relegation danger zone, and Al Ittihad in sixth pushing to cement a top-half finish, Round 28 of the Saudi Pro League at the SHG Arena carries genuine stakes for both camps. A home win would be transformative for the hosts; a point or three for the visitors keeps European ambitions alive. Al Ittihad arrive in Riyadh unbeaten in five matches — three wins and two draws — yet have failed to win any of their last five away fixtures, a glaring vulnerability on the road. Al Shabab are inconsistent overall (two wins, one draw, two defeats in five) but far more dangerous at home, where they have won five of their last ten. Yannick Carrasco is the creative force for the hosts, while Steven Bergwijn carries the chief threat for the visitors. Injuries compound Al Ittihad's travel problems: Abdulrahman Al-Obood, Faisel Al-Ghamdi, and Saad Al-Mousa are all sidelined, while Al Shabab must manage without Mohammed Harbush. In the last five meetings at this ground, Al Shabab have recorded two draws and one win — history points to a tight, physical contest. Our prediction: 1-1