Second-placed Al Hilal will host leaders Al Ittihad at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium for a one-on-one clash in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday, with kickoff slated for 19:00 GMT+1.
Key Highlights
Al Hilal
Jorge Jesus’ champions have started the season impressively as they bid to defend their crown. They have won three out of three matches in the Saudi Pro League.
Al Hilal have been in devastating form in the attacking phase, notching three goals in each of their three Saudi Pro League matches. They have also been tight at the back, keeping two clean sheets, and conceding twice in the close 3-2 triumph at home to Damac.
Their brilliant form extended to the AFC Champions League, winning 1-3 away to Al Rayyan.
The prolific attack has been a key feature of the Al Hilal presence in the Saudi Pro League; it led them to unprecedented success last season and shows no signs of stopping in the 2024/25 season.
Champions Al Hilal will need to be at their best when they face a rejuvenated Al Ittihad in what is shaping up to be a tough Saudi Pro League scrap.
Al Ittihad
Al Ittihad, under Laurent Blanc, have been brilliant in the opening three matches, winning all of them and outscoring everyone in the league so far.
Last gasp wins against Al Kholood and Al Taawoun showed their fighting spirit and ability to keep their nerve to winning matches in which they haven’t played very well.
Against Al Wehda, Al Ittihad exploded in an attacking sense, putting seven past their visitors and conceding just once.
With 66% possession against Al Wehda, Al Ittihad had 11 attempts on goal and scored seven times. They had a 92% passing accuracy, which showed that Laurent Blanc’s style and tactical priorities are increasingly apparent in the team’s displays.
The biggest test they can face in the Saudi Pro League is the trip to Al Hilal. Laurent Blanc and his charges will hope they are up to the task of going to the home of the champions and coming out unscathed.
Injury Report
Neither side has reported fresh injury worries ahead of their clash on Saturday, with long-term injury absentee Neymar unlikely to return.
Team News
Jorge Jesus will continue his faith in his brilliant striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has started the season in impressive fashion. The striker will be supported by Al Dawsari, Leonardo, and Malcom.
Houssem Aouar and Karim Benzema have formed a devastating combination in attack for Al Ittihad. The two have demonstrated their cutting edge this season, with Aouar popping up with last-gasp goals to win his side six points, whereas Benzema grabbed a hattrick against Al Wehda.
Prediction
This will be a tightly contested clash, with the two sides showing significant form in defense and attack so far. Al Hilal will have enough to win the match and extend their winning run and reign at the top of the table in the Saudi Pro League.
