Neom SC and Al-Ittihad currently sit level on 17 points in the Saudi Professional League, positioned seventh and sixth respectively. This direct encounter is crucial for both teams in their quest to solidify and improve their standings. The home side, as a newly promoted team, has shown overall stability this season, though their home form has been inconsistent, with only two wins in their last five league matches at home, and some defensive vulnerabilities. Al-Ittihad, the reigning champions, experienced some early-season fluctuations but have recently secured consecutive victories, indicating a resurgence. Their away record remains unblemished this season, demonstrating resilience. From a tactical perspective, both teams are eager to secure victory in this high-stakes match. Neom SC, playing at home, will undoubtedly aim to leverage their status as underdogs to challenge their strong opponents. Al-Ittihad, on the other hand, will seek to maintain their winning momentum and continue their push towards the top of the league. However, both teams face the impact of key players being sidelined due to injuries, which will test their squad depth. Neom SC, while newly promoted and with fluctuating home results, have demonstrated an ability to earn points against mid-table and lower-ranked teams at home, suffering only one defeat in their last six home matches, showcasing some resilience. The Asian handicap has shifted from a shallow line to a deeper one favouring the away team, which may be a strategy to capitalise on the away team's reputation and ranking to generate interest in them, while the higher odds for the away team suggest some hesitation from the outside in expecting an easy win. In terms of the European odds, the odds for an away win have generally increased during the adjustment, while the odds for a home win and a draw have been lowered accordingly. This shift further reflects a reduced confidence in the away team's ability to win convincingly. Considering the intentions of both teams, this direct confrontation is vital for both teams, as they have the same amount of points. The home team has the advantage of playing at home, and the tactics will likely involve a stable defence to seek opportunities for counterattacks, with their recent home defensive performance being reasonable. Although the away team has a stronger attack, the consecutive matches and the incomplete squad may limit their potential. Therefore, the current adjustment in the Asian handicap can be seen as a way to balance the interest in the match, rather than reflecting the absolute advantage of the away team. Prediction: Neom SC +0.5.