Al Ittihad vs Al-Ettifaq prediction 16.01.2026 | Saudi Pro League

Al Ittihad return to Alinma Stadium after a hard-fought 1:1 draw at Damac earlier this week. Despite being reduced to ten men in the second period following the dismissal of Roger Fernandes, Sérgio Conceição's side held on for a point at Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium.

An impressive run of form has seen Al Ittihad remain unbeaten across their last eight matches, with seven successive wins picked up before their draw at Damac.

Conceição's side now sit sixth in the division, five points ahead of Al-Ettifaq coming into this weekend's SPL clash. 

Head coach Conceição has three players unavailable this week. Saad Al-Mousa and Houssem Aouar remain sidelined with injury issues while Roger Fernandes is suspended.

Al-Ettifaq come into Friday's Saudi Pro League contest looking to bounce back from a 2:1 home defeat against Al-Khaleej on Monday. Despite taking the lead in the first minute of the contest, 

Saad Ali Al Shehri's side were left empty-handed with a late own-goal from Jack Hendry proving decisive at EGO Stadium.

The Knight of Ad-Dahna had enjoyed a fine seven-game unbeaten run before Tuesday's surprise SPL reversal. Al-Ettifaq won four of those matches, leaving them seventh in the division. 

Strong in attack, Al-Ettifaq scored two goals or more in five of their last six games, while an average of 3.5 goals per game have been scored in their 14 league fixtures this season. 

Another high-scoring outcome seems likely this weekend. The visitors have seen BTTS in seven of their last nine games while six of eight previous encounters between these sides saw a minimum of three goals scored. 

Head coach Ali Al Shehri has no new injury issues this week. Ahmed Hassan is the only confirmed absentee for the away side.