Form and context: a clash at Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium
The Pro League returns to Jeddah on January 3 with Al Ittihad hosting an in-form Al Taawoun, and the occasion promises a high-stakes duel. Al Ittihad arrive off a string of positive results — including a convincing 3-1 win away at NEOM SC and a pair of home victories over Al Shabab and Nasaf — that have steadied their place in the table. Their league position sits mid-top at sixth, but recent momentum at home is clear: the team has taken seven wins in their last ten outings overall. Steven Bergwijn’s standout performance in the last away fixture underlined the quality available to the hosts.
Al Taawoun, though, are a different type of threat. Sitting third in the standings with nine wins from 11, they bring a relentless winning stretch into the fixture: nine wins and a solitary draw across their last ten matches. Narrow victories like the 1-0 win over Al Najma, highlighted by Sultan Mandash’s influence, show a side that can grind results and also produce goals, having scored 27 this season. That consistency makes them dangerous on any turf.
Key stats that matter
Numbers paint a compelling picture. Al Ittihad have scored 22 goals in 11 matches but conceded 16 — a sign they can both create and be exposed. Their averages (around 13 total shots per game and over six corners) suggest an offensive approach at home. Al Taawoun, meanwhile, average fewer shots but convert effectively and have a superior goal difference, conceding just 13 while scoring 27. Over/under indicators give a slight edge to a higher-scoring game: Al Taawoun show a higher frequency of over 2.5 goals (54.55%), while Al Ittihad’s profile points to open home games where both sides can find the net.
Odds, markets and the prediction
Bookmakers have priced Al Ittihad as favourites at roughly 1.80 with a 55.6% implied chance, a draw sits at 3.60 and an Al Taawoun upset at 4.20. Those odds reflect home advantage and Ittihad’s recent home results, but they don’t ignore Taawoun’s impressive unbeaten run. Expect a lively opening 45 minutes — both teams carry momentum and attacking intent, and previous encounters have produced goals and late drama.
Prediction: expect a tight, entertaining match with Al Ittihad edging it on home soil, but Al Taawoun’s scoring power makes this far from a comfortable home afternoon. A 2-1 victory for Al Ittihad feels like the most likely outcome given form, venue and the market stance.
Suggested read on approach and markets: Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets and The right time to place bets on goal markets.
H2 Betting suggestion
After weighing form, goal profiles and bookmakers’ pricing, the best single-market play here is a 1X2 stake on Al Ittihad to win at around 1.80. It aligns with home advantage and Ittihad’s recent finishing, while offering a balanced risk-reward against a dangerous Al Taawoun side.
