NEOM vs Al-Ittihad FC
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<html> <head><title>Neom SC vs Al Ittihad – Match Preview & Betting Insight</title></head> <body> <h2>Neom SC vs Al Ittihad: Second-Half Storm Brewing in Tabuk</h2> <p>King Khalid Sport City Stadium stages a finely poised Saudi Pro League clash as mid-table rivals Neom SC and Al Ittihad meet on December 31. Both sit on 17 points after 10 games, yet travel splits and goal-timing trends suggest a game of two halves—with the second half holding the keys.</p> <h3>Form Guide and Momentum</h3> <p>Neom arrive off a 2-1 home win against Al Najma, extending a streak of scoring in nine straight league matches. However, they’ve conceded in each of their last seven, underlining a consistent defensive leak at Tabuk where they allow 1.60 goals per game.</p> <p>Al Ittihad snapped into gear with consecutive league wins (including a 2-0 over Al Shabab) and a recent away victory in the AFC Champions League. Despite a dip in their last-eight output overall, the visitors’ away profile is formidable: unbeaten (2-2-0), scoring 2.75 goals per game, and showing a reliable late-game punch.</p> <h3>Tactical Match-Up</h3> <p>Neom’s front line—headlined by Alexandre Lacazette and supported by Saïd Benrahma and Luciano Rodríguez—thrives in broken field and set-play moments. They can trade chances, but their back line is vulnerable to transitions and late pressure.</p> <p>Al Ittihad’s shape emphasizes control through NGolo Kanté and ball progression via Mahamadou Doumbia, with elite end-product from Karim Benzema and wide threats like Moussa Diaby and Steven Bergwijn. Critically, Ittihad’s second-half acceleration and game-state management (83% lead-defending overall; 100% away) can tilt tight contests.</p> <h3>Goal Timing: Why the Second Half Matters</h3> <p>Numbers scream second-half value. Neom concede the bulk of their goals after the interval, with a particularly damaging window from 76-90 minutes (six conceded overall). Al Ittihad away have scored eight second-half goals and conceded just two, with four arriving in stoppage-prone finales. Expect tactical adjustments and superior depth to fuel a strong Ittihad finish.</p> <h3>Key Players to Watch</h3> <ul> <li>Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad): 4 in 6 league games; high shot quality, penalty threat, reliable late-game finisher.</li> <li>Alexandre Lacazette (Neom): 4 in 9, focal point for Neom’s box touches; thrives off Rodríguez/Benrahma supply.</li> <li>Moussa Diaby & Steven Bergwijn (Al Ittihad): directness and ball-carrying stretch Neom’s backline, especially in transition late.</li> </ul> <h3>Odds and Value Plays</h3> <p>Markets rate the away side modestly: Al Ittihad DNB (Asian +0) at 1.65 looks fair-plus against Neom’s 1.40 PPG and 1.60 GA at home. With both teams heavily skewed to second-half action, “Highest scoring half—2nd” at 1.90 holds strong merit. Given Neom’s 80% BTTS (home) and Ittihad’s 4.5 away total goals per game, “Over 2.5 & BTTS: Yes” at 1.67 is a pragmatic way to capture game flow.</p> <p>For a sharper angle, “Team to score last—Away” at 1.80 aligns with Ittihad’s 76-90-minute scoring surge and Neom’s late concessions. A player prop worth consideration is Benzema anytime at 1.95—backed by form and set-piece equity.</p> <h3>Context and Caveats</h3> <p>Rest disparities exist: Neom’s most recent league outing was Dec 25, while Ittihad played Dec 27 before traveling. Still, the visitors’ depth and recent clean sheet hint at rising defensive control. Discipline is a known variable—Al Ittihad have drawn a high number of reds this season—so in-play caution if bookings mount.</p> <h3>The Oracle’s Verdict</h3> <p>The Oracle expects a high-event, late-breaking contest. Neom will craft chances and likely score, but Ittihad’s second-half profile should tell. The away side’s draw-no-bet at 1.65 is the top stance, with second-half markets and Benzema anytime complementing the portfolio. Forecast: 1-2 or 2-2, with the visitors more likely to land the final blow.</p> </body> </html>
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