Match context and form
Al Ittihad welcome Al Akhdoud to the Alinma Stadium in Jeddah on 26 January 2026 in a game that looks, on paper, heavily tilted toward the hosts. The home side sit 6th in the Pro League with 27 points from 16 matches and arrive after a mixed but encouraging run that includes a run of wins in the middle of January, while Al Akhdoud sit perilously down in 17th with just nine points and a fragile sequence of results that has produced only two wins all season. The recent meetings point in the same direction: the two clashed in the opening round and Al Ittihad dismantled Al Akhdoud 5-2, a result that leaves a psychological imprint going into this rematch.
Statistical edge and tactical signals
Numbers underline the gulf. Al Ittihad have scored 29 goals and conceded 20 across the campaign, while Al Akhdoud have mustered 13 and shipped 31. At home Al Ittihad’s balance is solid — nine goals for and nine against — and their overall attacking activity is significantly higher, with averages showing more than 14 total shots per game and nearly seven corners per match. Al Akhdoud’s offensive output on the road is worrying: only two away goals this season and a record that shows 11 losses from 16 games. Both teams’ recent match reports also tell a story: Al Ittihad’s latest outing ended in a 2-1 reverse at Al-Qadsiah, but prior to that they had bounced back with a string of wins; Al Akhdoud drew 2-2 with Al Riyadh after conceding first and struggling for consistency elsewhere.
Bookmakers reflect these gaps emphatically: the match-winner market gives Al Ittihad an implied probability north of 85% with a 1.15 quote, while the visitors are long shots at 14.00. That market pricing is a blunt instrument but is supported by the form, goal returns, and the earlier high-scoring H2H that nevertheless favored the home team decisively.
What to expect in the game
Expect Al Ittihad to control territory and momentum, probing consistently and generating the better chances. Al Akhdoud will likely sit deeper, relying on transitions and set-piece moments; any serious offensive threat from them is constrained by their low away goal tally. The likelihood is for a match where Al Ittihad carry the game and Al Akhdoud look to frustrate, but with the hosts having the quality to break through.
For readers who want to refine market selection and timing, consulting broader advice can help—see Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets and for goal timing considerations take a look at The right time to place bets on goal markets.
Betting suggestion
The clearest value from the data is the straight 1X2 market: back Al Ittihad to win. The home side’s superior form, recent head-to-head dominance and the bookmaker pricing (1.15) combine into a high-probability outcome. Given the short odds, keep the stake conservative and consider this as a low-risk, low-return selection rather than a big-ticket punt.
