Preview: two struggling sides meet in Alexandria
Alexandria Stadium will play host to a fixture that promises to be as much about survival as it is about local pride when Al Ittihad welcome Haras El Hodood on 30 January 2026. On paper the market nudges Al Ittihad into favour — bookmakers list the hosts at 1.98 with the draw at 2.70 and Haras El Hodood drifting out to 4.65 — but the picture on the pitch is messier. Al Ittihad sit 21st in the table with just eight points from 14 matches and a run that reads painfully: L-L-L-L-L-L-W-L-L-D. Haras El Hodood, while marginally better off in 16th, arrive in similar form with only two wins in their last ten and a record that shows vulnerability at both ends.
Form and trends that matter
Al Ittihad have conceded 22 goals and managed only nine, a negative goal difference that underpins their position near the foot of the standings. Their recent 3-1 reverse to Ceramica Cleopatra underlined defensive frailties, even if Afsha’s performance in the opposing line-up earned plaudits in that match report. Haras El Hodood’s most recent outing was a 1-2 home defeat to Kahraba Ismailia, a game in which Ikenna Cooper was singled out as his side’s best performer despite the loss. Across the season Haras have scored 11 and shipped 19 — figures that suggest they can both find the net and be punished at the back.
What the underlying stats reveal is a fixture that often produces goals: Al Ittihad’s matches have a healthy proportion of over-2.5 results and Haras El Hodood’s numbers show a similar tendency. Both teams have been involved in games where the ball has rattled the net at least once for both sides, and the recent head-to-head adds a sliver of context — the last meeting finished 1-0 in favour of the hosts, but that result is hardly a definitive guide given the instability each squad has shown since.
Where value lies — tactical read and market selection
Given the volatility and the numbers, the traditional 1X2 market offers a safe favourite in Al Ittihad at 1.98, but value is limited: the hosts’ recent run suggests a result is far from guaranteed. Haras El Hodood at 4.65 is an outsider pick that could pay off if they exploit Al Ittihad’s defensive lapses, but it carries clear risk. A more interesting angle is the goal market. The season-long tendencies toward matches with goals and the way both teams have been involved in open, end-to-end affairs point to a contest where both sides can score.
For bettors who focus on goal markets it can help to time entries and manage risk; a quick read on timing and methodology can be found in this guide to the right time to place bets on goal markets. And for anyone staking on emotionally charged matches in relegation dogfights, it’s worth reviewing techniques on how to have emotional control when placing bets.
Betting suggestion (goal market): Back Both Teams to Score — Yes. The data shows both sides concede regularly and have the capacity to score; recent matches on both sides ended with each team finding the net. Given the odds structure and the risk profile, BTTS Yes looks like the most coherent play from the available markets.
