Neom SC and Al-Ittihad, both with 17 points, are set to clash in a Saudi Professional League encounter that appears finely balanced yet holds intriguing undertones. Neom SC's season has been somewhat inconsistent, with a record of five wins, two draws, and three losses in their last ten matches. Their overall performance lacks cohesion on both ends of the pitch. Despite their seventh-place ranking, their recent form at home has been particularly unstable, potentially adding to the players' psychological burden. Al-Ittihad, on the other hand, exhibits a strong resurgence, boasting an impressive record of seven wins, one draw, and two losses in their recent ten games. The team's morale is high, and they are steadily gaining confidence. Neom SC faces significant squad challenges, with their goalkeeper and three midfielders sidelined due to injuries, including a serious cruciate ligament tear. This impacts their midfield rotation and stability, restricting their tactical execution. In contrast, Al-Ittihad's squad is relatively intact; apart from the absence of their attacking midfielder and a central defender, their core rotation remains unaffected. Their players are at peak performance, with both their attack and defence operating at a high level. While the teams are closely ranked, Al-Ittihad's rising confidence at this late stage of the season is beneficial. Neom SC must overcome their injury challenges to solidify their position. In this clash, how each team adapts will be crucial.