While the teams will face off for the first time, Al Ittihad have a good record against sides from the UAE with their defeat to Al Wahda their first in eight games - having won all the other encounters.

 

Backed by their fans and with the players who missed their opener expected to return, they will target maximum points against Shabab Al Ahli but will have to do it without Laurent Blanc, with the Frenchman having stepped down as head coach following Al Ittihad's defeat to Al Nassr Club in a Saudi Pro League tie on Friday.

Shabab Al Ahli also endured a tough opener, with the UAE Pro League champions having to come from behind to salvage a point against Islamic Republic of Iran's Tractor FC.

 

They were, however, the dominant side in the opener - attempting 28 shots - and will be a handful for an Al Ittihad team struggling for consistency. .