Al Ittihad Aim to Extend Winning Run as Surprise Al-Taawoun Visit Jeddah
As the Saudi Pro League rolls into the new year, all eyes are set on King Abdullah Sports City, where Al Ittihad and Al-Taawoun are preparing to kick off 2026 with a high-stakes showdown. This is more than just another league fixture. Momentum, confidence, and serious ambitions are all on the line when these two in-form sides meet on Saturday evening.
For Al Ittihad, this match arrives at a time when belief has quietly been restored. After a turbulent spell earlier in the season that included a frustrating winless run and a managerial change, stability has finally been found under Sergio Conceicao. What was once a side struggling for rhythm is now being seen as a team reborn. Five consecutive wins across all competitions have been recorded, with goals flowing freely and defensive solidity finally taking shape. Their recent 3-1 victory over Neom SC was another reminder that this squad still carries championship-level quality, even if the league title now looks a distant dream with an 11-point gap to Al-Nassr.
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Despite that gap, Al Ittihad’s motivation has not been lost. With domestic cup and continental competitions still in play, every match carries weight, and the hunger to keep winning has been clearly evident. Encouragement has also been drawn from recent history against Al-Taawoun, as the Jeddah giants have remained unbeaten in their last four meetings and won both clashes last season.
However, this time the visitors are arriving with a very different reputation. Al-Taawoun have been one of the stories of the season, quietly but convincingly pushing themselves into the title conversation. Their narrow 1-0 win over Al Najma, sealed by a late Roger Martinez strike, marked their ninth victory in ten league matches. Sitting third in the table, just two points off the summit, their consistency has been impossible to ignore.
What has truly set Al-Taawoun apart has been their fearless away form. Every league trip this season has ended in victory, giving them the only perfect away record in the division. Still, history offers a warning. A win in Jeddah has not been enjoyed by Al-Taawoun since 2018, and this ground represents their toughest test yet.
Team news adds another layer of intrigue. Al Ittihad continue without Saad Al Mousa and Houssem Aouar, while Steven Bergwijn’s recent goal contributions have been a major boost in attack. For Al-Taawoun, Musa Barrow and Angelo Fulgini remain sidelined, though Muteb Al Mufarrij’s return brings balance back to the squad.
With both teams in strong form, a close contest is expected. Yet, home advantage and momentum suggest Al Ittihad may once again find a way, edging a narrow win and keeping their impressive run alive as the new year begins.
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