The 2023 FIFA Membership World Cup begins with Al Ittihad dealing with off towards Auckland Metropolis on the King Abdullah Sports activities Metropolis Stadium in a quest for a spot within the second spherical.
This inaugural fixture of the match sees the star-studded Saudi Arabian aspect taking up the New Zealand-based staff, aiming to emulate their 2014 success in Jeddah.
Match Preview
Marcelo Gallardo, only a month into managing Al Ittihad, endeavors to steer the Tigers to a good standing on this yr’s Membership World Cup.
The Saudi Pro League winners boast skills like Karim Benzema, who returns from damage, bolstering their probabilities on this match.
Accompanying the Frenchman are N’Golo Kante and Fabinho, midfield stalwarts with prior match success, including depth and experience to Al Ittihad’s squad.
Regardless of the standard at their disposal, the strain is on Gallardo to ship outcomes and safe a victory over Auckland Metropolis to take care of fan help.
On the opposite aspect, Auckland Metropolis, aiming to duplicate their 2014 feat, faces a tricky problem. Albert Riera’s squad, after a interval of relaxation, appears to be like to rebound after three consecutive defeats in latest matches.
Scoring targets turns into essential for Auckland Metropolis, notably after a latest goalless outing, as they purpose to stun their opposition. Going through Al Ittihad’s formidable lineup calls for a fearless method.
Kind Information
Al Ittihad (all competitions): W-D-W-W-W-L
Auckland Metropolis (all competitions): W-W-W-L-L-L
Workforce Information
Al Ittihad will miss Luiz Felipe resulting from damage, however the return of Benzema and Romarinho may bolster their attacking lineup. Gallardo would possibly area a powerful XI aiming for development.
Auckland Metropolis has a full squad at their disposal and would possibly go for a 4-5-1 formation, counting on gamers like Cameron Howieson and Dylan Manickum for a match-winning edge.
Attainable Lineups
Al Ittihad: (4-2-3-1)
Grohe;
Alshanqiti, Hawsawi, Hegazy, Bamsaud;
Kante, Fabinho;
Alamri, Coronado, Jota;
Benzema
Auckland Metropolis:(4-5-1)
Tracey;
Vale, Mitchell, Lee, Lobo;
Garriga, D. Heijer, Howieson, Ilich, Manickum;
Kilkolly
Prediction: Al Ittihad 2-1 Auckland Metropolis
Whereas Auckland Metropolis goals for a resurgence, Al Ittihad’s house benefit and the return of Benzema would possibly give the Tigers the sting, securing their development to the subsequent spherical.
