JEDDAH: The Saudi Professional League resumes today with the round 11 matches. Capping the round is the much-awaited top of the table clash between Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium here.

All indications point to another explosive battle between two of Saudi football’s heavyweights, as Ittihad and Hilal renew their longrunning rivalry.

Table topper Ittihad, with 29 points, faces its most serious threat with Hilal expected to cash in the chance to take over the lead from the Jeddah-based club.

Though Hilal are on 26 points in second place the sides are separated only by one in goal difference with 16 for Ittihad and 15 for Hilal. A win by a single goal for Hilal would propel the Riyadh-based club to the top of the table by virtue of the winner over the other rule even though both teams will be tied on points and goal difference. A 2-0 Hilal win would give it first place on goal difference.

But Ittihad, which will have its adrenalin flowing by a rabid following at home, has ideas of its own for the match. A victory and full three points would eliminate a clear and present danger from Hilal.

Ittihad is not resting on its laurels at this stage of the competition.

The Argentinean coach canceled days-off for his players the past few days while they worked on game tactics to be used against Hilal. Ittihad defenders Osama Al-Muwallad and Reda Tukar are back in the team after serving out their suspension. Muhammad Nur joined the team training after the coach prevented him from playing against Abha in the last match fearing that he might get his third yellow card.

Just like Ittihad, Hilal coach barred key players like Al-Fareedi from playing the last match against Al-Hazem to avoid possible injuries to these players.

Among the areas Hilal worked on was its defense to try to neutralize the Ittihad striking unit of Emad Busharwan and Emad Miteb. Also, Hilal ace striker Yaser Al-Qahtani has received the green light from the medical team at the club to play today’s match.

In the other matches, Al-Shabab faces Abha in Riyadh, Al-Raid tackles Al-Ittifaq in Buraidah and Al-Watani takes on Wehda in Tabuk.