The Saudi Pro League returns to action this Friday, February 27 2026, as Al Ittihad hosts Al Khaleej in a Matchday 24 encounter at the King Abdullah Sports City. The “Tigers” of Jeddah are looking to maintain their dominant historical record against the visitors and keep pace at the top of the table.
Match Details and Kickoff
The clash is scheduled for Friday, February 27 2026. Al Ittihad enters the fixture following a high-intensity period, including a recent 7-0 thrashing of Al-Gharafa in the AFC Champions League and a hard-fought “Clasico” against Al-Hilal. Coach Sérgio Conceição will be looking for a clinical performance to satisfy the home supporters after a demanding schedule.
Team News: Key Returns for Al Ittihad
There is significant positive news for the home side. Star striker Youssef En-Nesyri has officially returned to full team training and is expected to lead the line. Additionally, Abdulrahman Al-Aboud has been declared fit and ready for selection, providing Conceição with more tactical flexibility on the wings.
Al Khaleej, meanwhile, arrives in Jeddah looking to bounce back from a narrow 1-0 defeat against NEOM SC. The visitors have struggled for consistency in the Pro League recently and face the daunting task of securing their first-ever victory against the Jeddah giants.
Head-to-Head History
The historical data heavily favors Al Ittihad. In over 17 previous meetings, Al Khaleej has never managed to defeat Al Ittihad. The statistical breakdown highlights the gap between the two clubs:
- Al Ittihad Wins: 11
- Draws: 6
- Al Khaleej Wins: 0
- Recent Encounter: The two sides played out a thrilling 4-4 draw in their last meeting on November 1 2025.
What to Expect
Al Ittihad currently averages 2.56 goals per match in this fixture, while Al Khaleej has struggled to convert chances, averaging just 1.2 goals. However, the 4-4 draw earlier this season proved that Al Khaleej can exploit defensive lapses if Al Ittihad is fatigued from continental play.
With the Saudi Pro League title race heating up, Al Ittihad cannot afford to drop points at home. Fans can expect an aggressive start from the hosts, fueled by the return of En-Nesyri and the creative spark of Al-Aboud.