Mahrez vs Benzema - Saudi's speciality of the house for tasty Friday night

Karim Benzema's dream move to Saudi Arabia has not started off the way he would have hoped. The injury-prone striker has missed the last four games after scoring the winner in a 1-0 away win at Al-Akhdood on September 14.

There is no official return time for Benzema that Al-Ittihad has communicated. Still, the rumours are he'll finally appear on the pitch on Friday night in a Saudi Pro League derby against Al-Ahli Jeddah.

The former Real Madrid star had nine goal involvements in his opening ten matches, and the fans and the Saudi public are expecting him to pick up from where he stopped due to injuries.

Like this weekend's hosts, Al-Ahli failed to convert any of their clear-cut chances last Saturday as they played out a goalless draw with Al-Ettifaq at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium.

However, we should have a lot of action and goals this evening, bearing in mind the fact these two sides offer a handful of the world's best players at the moment. Benzema, Kante and Fabinho on one, along with Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, Frank Kessie, and Edouard Mendy on the other. A whole set of fireworks in prospect.

SAUDI PRO LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 9

Friday

18.00: (1.05) Al Nassr R. (14.0) Abha (35.0)

21.00: (2.05) Al Itihad J. (3.45) Al Ahli Jeddah (3.30)

Saturday

18.00: (18.0) Al Akhdoud (11.0) Al Hilal (1.10)

21.00: (2.05) Al Wahda (3.45) Al Faiha (3.60)

21.00: (2.05) Al Khaleej (3.40) Al Raed (3.35)

***odds are subject to change***