Match preview — Tabuk set for an entertaining clash
The Pro League fixture at King Khalid Sport City Stadium on December 31 promises a lively end-of-year spectacle as NEOM SC host Al Ittihad. Both sides arrive level on points (17) after ten games, but form and underlying numbers suggest contrasting trajectories. NEOM have picked up five wins, two draws and three losses and boast an intriguing mix of resilience and attacking willingness at home; their recent victory over Al Najma (2-1) underlined a team that can grind out results. Al Ittihad, meanwhile, come off a convincing 2-0 win over Al Shabab and have been more prolific overall, piling up 19 goals in the campaign so far and generating higher volumes of shots and dangerous attacks. Expect a competitive game where momentum and attacking intent shape the outcome.
Tactical reading and momentum
Al Ittihad’s numbers tell the story of an aggressive side: higher total shots, a far greater number of shots inside the box and a superior dangerous-attacks average. That attacking muscle has translated into consistent results, with six wins out of their last ten fixtures and recent outings showing a side finding finishing rhythm. NEOM are no pushovers at home; their matches are often open — six of their ten league games have exceeded 2.5 goals — and they have shown they can score against stronger opposition. The previous-match ratings also provide context: Nathan Zézé earned NEOM plaudits after the Al Najma win while Danilo Pereira put in a standout display for Al Ittihad, highlighting the influence individual performances can have in tight encounters.
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Prediction and model — what to expect
This fixture looks primed for goals. Al Ittihad’s attacking statistics combined with NEOM’s tendency to play open matches at home point toward both sides finding the net. The bookmaker pricing gives Al Ittihad the edge on the 1X2 market at 2.10, reflecting their recent momentum, but the balance of probabilities and the teams’ attacking profiles suggest the contest will not be a low-scoring stalemate.
Betting suggestion (goal market): Back Both Teams to Score. The data supports BTTS: NEOM have a 50% BTTS rate at home and Al Ittihad have a 60% BTTS rate away, alongside clear attacking intent from both sides. This market captures the tendency for open play and decent shot volume from both teams and offers value compared to the marginally shorter away win price.
