Al Kholood vs Al Ittihad
Date: Friday, 9 January 2026
Kick-Off: 20:30 AST
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City, Buraidah
How to Watch: Livestream on SPOTV NOW
#SaudiLeague – The Roshn Saudi League returns with blockbuster clashes in Matchweek 14! Catch Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Al Ittihad battling for crucial points.
Watch #ROSHNSaudiLeague live on #SPOTVNOW! pic.twitter.com/HRcMtBx9PD
— SPOTV SEA (@SPOTVSEA) January 8, 2026
Al Ittihad arrive in Buraidah riding a wave of momentum. The defending champions have strung together four consecutive wins and are targeting a fifth when they face Al Kholood on Friday night.
Sergio Conceicao’s side has looked ruthless in recent weeks, dispatching Al Riyadh, Al Shabab, Neom, and Al Taawoun. During that run, they’ve averaged two goals per game and kept two clean sheets—an ominous sign for their hosts.
Moussa Diaby has been the standout performer, contributing one goal and three assists, while Steven Bergwijn has chipped in with two goals and an assist, underlining the depth of attacking options at Conceicao’s disposal.
In stark contrast, Al Kholood have struggled for consistency, winning just once in their last five league outings. That solitary victory, however, was emphatic—a 5-0 demolition of Al Fayha last week that reignited belief within the squad.
Captain William Troost-Ekong summed up the mood after that win:
“On the pitch, our focus returned immediately to club football, and we knew we needed a response. After a difficult period, we delivered a powerful statement away from home with a 5-0 win against Al Fayha, scoring all those goals and keeping a clean sheet.
That performance wasn’t just about the result, but about showing who we are as a team when faced with challenges. Wins like that rebuild confidence and remind everyone—including ourselves—what we are capable of.”
If Al Kholood are to pull off an upset, they’ll lean heavily on Ramiro Enrique. The Argentine striker has been in scintillating form, netting seven league goals and 10 in all competitions. His sharp movement and clinical finishing make him a constant threat.
History, however, favors Al Ittihad. They beat Al Kholood twice last season—4-3 and 1-0—and will be confident of extending that dominance. A win here would keep them firmly in the race for an AFC Champions League Elite spot, though retaining the league title looks unlikely with Al Hilal nine points clear at the summit.
