Newly crowned Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad will round off their title-winning campaign at home to Damac on Monday, as they look to maintain their strong form ahead of the King Cup of Champions final later this week.
The hosts are eight points clear at the top of the table heading into the last league game of the season, with the only incentive being the preservation of their ongoing five-match winning streak.
Match preview
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Al Ittihad wrapped up the league title in style with a 3-1 win over Al Raed on matchday 32, securing their first domestic crown since the 2022-23 campaign.
After a disappointing fifth-place finish last term, finishing a staggering 42 points behind Al Hilal, the Jeddah giants have bounced back superbly under the guidance of Laurent Blanc, capitalising on their rivals' slip-ups earlier in the season, taking top spot on matchday 19, and holding on to it since then.
Much of their resurgence has been inspired by Karim Benzema, with the former Real Madrid talisman contributing 21 goals and nine assists in 28 league appearances, playing a crucial role in their title triumph.
However, he remains three goals behind Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo in the Golden Boot race and will no doubt be aiming to close that gap on the final day.
Al Ittihad's recent form has been imperious, with their latest 3-2 win over Al Shabab extending their winning streak, and while the pressure is off, Blanc's side will see this clash as ideal preparation for their upcoming cup final against Al-Qadisiyah.
With whichever team playing as hosts having won the last four editions of this fixture, Blanc's side will be hoping this trend continues.
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As for Damac, their fate is already sealed, with top-flight survival confirmed before the final weekend, as they currently sit 14th in the standings on 35 points, four clear of the relegation zone, ensuring another season in the top tier despite a turbulent campaign.
Khaled Al-Atwi was brought in for the closing stages of the season, replacing Nuno Almeida, who himself had succeeded Cosmin Contra earlier in the term.
However, Al-Atwi has managed just two wins in his eight matches in charge, with last week's 1-0 defeat to Al Fateh summing up a disappointing run of results.
After finishing 10th last season with 41 points, expectations were higher for the Khamis Mushait outfit, but they have fallen short, and their struggles away from home have played a big part, with just one win in their last nine league matches on the road, along with four defeats.
Team News
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Al Ittihad have missed top scorer Benzema has missed the last two games due to injuries, and is expected to sit this one out.
Former Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar is also sidelined alongside forward Saleh Al-Shehri and goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic.
Damac will be without left back Dhari Al-Anazi, who was sent off in the loss to Al Fateh, and is suspended for this clash.
Adam Maher and Hassan Abu Sharah are still sidelined due to ongoing injury concerns and will not be available for selection in Monday's clash.
Al Ittihad possible starting lineup:
Nita; Hawsawi, Chafai, Bedrane, Al Obaid; Hamed, Al Subiani; Al-Ghamdi, Kamano, N'Koudou; Al-Nemer
Damac possible starting lineup:
Rajkovic; Al Shanqeeti, Al Mousa, Kadish, Mitaj; Kante, Al Nashri; Al Obud, Al-Ghamdi, Diaby; Bergwjin
We say: Al Ittihad 3-1 Damac
Facing the champions in their own backyard is a daunting task for Damac, and with Al Ittihad keen to keep their momentum rolling into the cup final, it would take a remarkable effort from the visitors to avoid ending the season on a losing note.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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