Al Ittihad are in a strong position in the Saudi Pro League title race, sitting second with 17 points from seven matches, just one point behind Al Hilal at the top. That gap makes the upcoming away fixture at Al Hilal on October 10, at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, one of the most significant matches of the season so far. A win would put Ittihad level or ahead of the league leaders and send a clear statement of intent.

The club's recent domestic form backs that confidence. Ittihad have won four of their last five Saudi Pro League matches, including a notable 2-1 victory over Al Nassr and a 3-1 win away at Al Faisaly. The only points dropped came in a goalless draw with Al Fateh. That consistency has built genuine momentum heading into the international break.

Off the pitch, two storylines are adding noise around the club. A legal dispute with Al Ettifaq has surfaced during the break, while a takeover process is generating fresh attention. Neither development appears to have disrupted the squad's rhythm on the field, but both will need resolution as the season intensifies.

One quieter but promising subplot involves young striker Ammar Al-Ghamdi, who has scored six goals in five matches for the under-21 side this season. With 16 goals in the competition last season, the 21-year-old is making a case for first-team consideration that coach Jens Fissing may find increasingly difficult to ignore.