The upcoming Saudi Professional League match between Neom SC and Al-Ittihad presents an intriguing tactical battle. While Neom SC has home advantage, the odds strongly favor Al-Ittihad, and for good reason. Al-Ittihad possesses a stronger squad, evidenced by the odds and the absence of significant injuries, giving them a clear advantage. The match will likely be defined by Al-Ittihad's ability to control the midfield and exploit defensive vulnerabilities. Al-Ittihad's primary objective will be to dominate Zone 14 – the area directly in front of the penalty box. They will aim to overload this zone with attacking midfielders and forwards, creating passing triangles and drawing Neom SC defenders out of position. This will open up space for through balls and shots from the edge of the box. Key to their strategy will be quick transitions from defense to attack, capitalizing on any turnovers to launch swift counter-attacks before Neom SC can reorganize their defensive shape. Neom SC, on the other hand, faces a significant challenge. Their primary task will be to defend Zone 14 diligently. They will need to deploy a compact defensive block, ensuring minimal space between the lines. The midfield must be disciplined, tracking the runs of Al-Ittihad's attacking players and preventing them from receiving the ball in dangerous areas. They should focus on deflecting shots and blocking passing lanes. Neom SC's defence will need to be well-organised and communicate efficiently. The injury data highlights that Neom SC has several key players missing, which would affect their defensive capabilities. On the other hand, Al-Ittihad is relatively unscathed by injuries. This difference in squad fitness and availability tilts the balance further in Al-Ittihad's favour. Considering the match data, including injury situations, and the odds offered by bookmakers, the prediction leans heavily towards an Al-Ittihad victory. Their superior squad strength, tactical acumen, and the likely control of Zone 14 will prove decisive. The over/under prediction also suggests a high-scoring match, given Al-Ittihad's attacking prowess and Neom SC's defensive vulnerabilities. The Asian Handicap further supports this, with the predicted outcome of Al-Ittihad winning.