In a high-stakes clash, Al Ahli and Al Hilal will clash on Saturday in the Saudi Pro League. The hosts will look to close the gap to the top, whereas the visitors will look to press home their advantage. The clash is scheduled to kick off at 19:00 GMT+1.
Key Highlights
Al Ahli
Currently seventh in the Saudi Pro League, Al Ahli have much to prove in their clash against the defending champions and current league leaders.
Al Ahli’s mixed start to the season was highlighted in their 1-0 defeat against Al Qadsiah last time out. This result and performance exposed the inconsistency in Al Ahli’s season.
Blowing hot and cold means that Al Ahli have not shown form to suggest they can trouble the leaders at the top. However, their brilliant performance in the 2-0 triumph over Al Wasl in the AFC Champions League Elite showed that when they are confident and on form, they can pose a problem for anyone.
Al Ahli and Al Hilal players battle for possession during their Saudi Pro League clash last season.
Al Hilal
Al Hilal are flying at the top of the Saudi Pro League with a sterling five wins out of five. They have scored 16 goals in the run of five domestic matches conceding just five.
The numbers show that Jorge Jesus’ side is dominant in attack. Their devastating forward line, supporting act, dynamism, and sheer pace have given them an edge. The potency of their attack was demonstrated in the AFC Champions League Elite match against Al Shorta, where they put five through their opponents, winning 5-0.
Al Hilal have also been dominant in this fixture against Al Ahli, winning eight times in their last ten meetings. Focused on retaining their Saudi Pro League title, Al Hilal will be motivated to win the match on Saturday and keep their berth at the top of the table to make a statement of intent to the rest of the league.
Injury Report
Al Ahli will be without midfielder Abdullah Otayf, who is out with a ligament problem, and Mohammed Al Majhad, who has a knee problem.
Al Hilal will go into the clash against Al Ahli on Saturday without the long-term absentee Neymar. The Brazilian is sidelined with a cruciate ligament tear and is expected to be fit again by the time the registration portal opens in January.
Team News
Ivan Toney and Roberto Firmino will lead the line for Al Ahli. The hosts are finally getting a good tune out of their key attackers, and their combination is likely to cause problems for many defenses across the Saudi Pro League this season.
Aleksandar Mitrovic’s performance is expected to make the difference for Al Hilal. The Serbian’s clinical finishing will be essential to the chances of Jorge Jesus’ side picking up maximum points at Al Ahli on Saturday.
Prediction
Al Hilal are in exceptional form with their perfect record and dominance of the Saudi Pro League. With the in-form Mitrovic, the visitors will have as good a guarantee of goals in the match. Al Hilal are favorites to win the match and take all the three points on offer.
