Wijnaldum Starts Against Former Club as Al-Ittihad Face Al-Ettifaq
Al-Ittihad coach Jens Wissing has made a bold selection call for his side’s Saudi Roshn League meeting with Al-Ettifaq, placing Georginio Wijnaldum in the starting midfield for a match against his former club. The Dutch international’s inclusion adds a compelling personal storyline to an important contest between two teams separated by only two points in the standings.
Al-Ittihad travelled to Dammam for the 10th-round fixture, with the match taking place at Al-Ettifaq’s home ground. The visitors began the evening fifth in the league on 17 points, while Al-Ettifaq occupied seventh place with 15. With both sides looking to strengthen their position, the encounter carried significance beyond the reunion at its centre.
Wijnaldum handed a rare league start
Wijnaldum’s selection marks his first start for Al-Ittihad in a Saudi Pro League match and only his second appearance in the starting XI across all competitions. His previous start came against Shabab Al-Ahli in the AFC Champions League Elite, making this a notable step in his integration into Wissing’s plans.
The midfielder knows Al-Ettifaq well, having represented the Dammam club from 2023 to 2026. That history gives the fixture an extra layer of intrigue: Wijnaldum will be familiar with the club, its environment and the expectations surrounding a home performance, but this time he will be tasked with helping Al-Ittihad take points away from it.
For Wissing, the decision also offers a chance to add experience and composure to the middle of the pitch. Wijnaldum has played at the highest levels of European football and for the Netherlands, and his ability to link midfield with attack could be useful in a game where possession and quick transitions may prove decisive. His performance will be closely watched as he looks to turn a rare starting opportunity into a regular role.
Defensive selection brings another surprise
Wijnaldum was not the only unexpected name in Al-Ittihad’s line-up. Wissing selected Saad Al-Mousa for his first start of the season, pairing him with Portugal international Danilo Pereira in central defence. Al-Mousa’s inclusion is particularly significant because Pereira has only recently returned from an injury that kept him out since last season.
The partnership gives Al-Ittihad a blend of familiarity, physical presence and experience, but it also presents a test. With Pereira working his way back to full match sharpness, the defensive unit will need to communicate effectively and stay organised against an Al-Ettifaq side eager to make home advantage count. The full-backs, Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti and Faris Abdi, will also have to balance their attacking contributions with the need to protect the wide areas.
Ilenikhena leads the attack as En-Nesyri waits
Wissing opted to start Nigerian forward George Ilenikhena at centre-forward, leaving Youssef En-Nesyri among the substitutes. Ilenikhena will lead an attacking trio that includes Houssem Aouar and Steven Bergwijn, with the team expected to rely on movement and service from midfield to create opportunities.
The choice suggests that Wissing is looking for energy and directness in the final third. Ilenikhena’s role will be to occupy Al-Ettifaq’s defenders, press when possession is lost and make himself available for passes into the box. Aouar and Bergwijn can offer creativity and pace around him, while Wijnaldum and Richard Rios may be asked to support attacks from deeper positions.
En-Nesyri’s place on the bench gives Al-Ittihad another option if the match requires a different attacking approach. His presence could be valuable later in the game, particularly if the visitors need a more established target in the penalty area or are chasing a goal in the closing stages.
Al-Ittihad’s starting line-up
Goalkeeper: Predrag Rajkovic
Defence: Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti, Danilo Pereira, Saad Al-Mousa, Faris Abdi
Midfield: Moukhtar Ali, Richard Rios, Georginio Wijnaldum
Attack: Houssem Aouar, George Ilenikhena, Steven Bergwijn
Match prediction: a close contest in Dammam
On paper, Al-Ittihad’s position and attacking options make them a serious threat, but the small gap in the standings points to a competitive match. Al-Ettifaq will be motivated to protect home territory, while the visitors must adapt to a new defensive pairing and a reshaped forward line. The opening period could be crucial: an early goal would force the other side to take greater risks and could open up space for counterattacks.
A key factor in any football prediction is how well the midfield controls the rhythm. If Wijnaldum settles quickly and helps Al-Ittihad move the ball forward with purpose, the visitors may be able to create chances for Ilenikhena, Aouar and Bergwijn. Al-Ettifaq, meanwhile, can make the contest difficult by pressing aggressively and targeting any uncertainty in Al-Ittihad’s returning defensive partnership.
Al-Ittihad appear to have enough quality to compete for all three points, but a comfortable away win is far from guaranteed. A narrow victory for the visitors—or a draw if Al-Ettifaq make the most of their home advantage—looks like the more cautious prediction. Wijnaldum’s reunion with his former club may ultimately become one of the defining stories of the night, especially if he can influence the game from the centre of the pitch.
