The 2023 FIFA Membership World Cup begins with Al Ittihad dealing with off in opposition to 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 event sees the star-studded Saudi Arabian facet taking up the New Zealand-based crew, 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 decent standing on this 12 months’s Membership World Cup.
The Saudi Professional League winners boast abilities like Karim Benzema, who returns from damage, bolstering their probabilities on this event.
Accompanying the Frenchman are N’Golo Kante and Fabinho, midfield stalwarts with prior event success, including depth and experience to Al Ittihad’s squad.
Regardless of the standard at their disposal, the stress is on Gallardo to ship outcomes and safe a victory over Auckland Metropolis to take care of fan help.
On the opposite facet, Auckland Metropolis, aiming to duplicate their 2014 feat, faces a tricky problem. Albert Riera’s squad, after a interval of relaxation, appears to rebound after three consecutive defeats in current matches.
Scoring objectives turns into essential for Auckland Metropolis, notably after a current goalless outing, as they intention to stun their opposition. Dealing with Al Ittihad’s formidable lineup calls for a fearless strategy.
Kind Information
Al Ittihad (all competitions): W-D-W-W-W-L
Auckland Metropolis (all competitions): W-W-W-L-L-L
Group Information
Al Ittihad will miss Luiz Felipe resulting from damage, however the return of Benzema and Romarinho might bolster their attacking lineup. Gallardo would possibly discipline 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.
Potential 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 dwelling benefit and the return of Benzema would possibly give the Tigers the sting, securing their development to the subsequent spherical.