Al-Hilal vs Al-Ittihad Prediction and Betting Tips | 7th January 2025
The Saudi El Clasico will feature in the quarter-finals of the King's Cup of Champions on Tuesday as Al-Hilal take on Al-Ittihad at the Kingdom Arena. Interestingly, both these sides are leading the title charge in the Saudi Pro League right now, with the former in second with 34 points and their Jeddah rivals accruing two points more.
The Blues Waves, who cantered to the league title last season by going the entire campaign unbeaten, were last seen in action on 7 December 2024 when they beat Al-Raed 3-2.
They fought back from behind twice in the game before netting a winner in the 14th minute of stoppage time through Ali Albulayhi, as their winning run was extended to three games in all competitions.
On the other hand, Al-Ittihad went into the winter break on a stunning 11-game winning streak, began after a loss to - who else - Al-Hilal, who beat them 3-1 in September.
That Clasico defeat appeared to have spurned the People's Club on, as they rampaged their way forward through a host of sides over the next two months. Their last game saw them beat Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al-Nassr on 6 December, with Steven Bergwijn netting the winner in the 91st minute.
Al-Hilal vs Al-Ittihad Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- There have been 88 clashes between the sides in history, with Al-Hilal winning on exactly half the occasions (44), and losing 21 times.
- Al-Ittihad last beat Al-Hilal in April 2021, a 2-0 win in the Saudi Pro League, 12 games ago.
- The Blue Waves have won their last seven games in a row against the Jeddah outfit, last seeing a draw in May 2023.
- Al-Ittihad are on an 11-game winning run in all competitions right now, while Al-Hilal have won their last three.
- For the third consecutive calendar year, the Saudi Clasico rivals clash in the King's Cup. Al-Hilal won both the previous encounters: 1-0 (aet) in April 2023 and 2-1 in April 2024.
Al-Hilal vs Al-Ittihad Prediction
This is the earliest of the three cup meetings between the rivals since 2023, but there will be no love lost between them. The Blue Waves haven't lost in the fixture for quite some time, and will hence enter the tie high on confidence, but Al-Ittihad are on fire right now.
We expect a close contest with Al-Ittihad winning on penalties.
Prediction: Al-Hilal 1-1 (3-4 on penalties) Al-Ittihad
Al-Hilal vs Al-Ittihad Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Draw (Al-Ittihad to win on penalties)
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: Yes