It is first versus second in the Saudi Pro League on Friday when the hosts and league leaders Al-Hilal welcome second-placed Al-Nassr to the King Fahd International Stadium for a top-of-the-table clash, with a kickoff slated for 18:00 GMT.
Key Highlights
Al-Hilal are unbeaten in the league this season. In the opening 14 rounds of fixtures, they won 12 times and drew twice, collecting 38 points.
The winning run also includes a stunning 43 goals scored and just eight conceded, a demonstration of consistency at both ends of the pitch. The 43 goals scored highlight Al-Hilal’s potency going forward.
The eight goals conceded also show a solidity and compactness that has helped Jorge Jesus’ men to win matches this season.
Al-Nassr have bounced back from the consecutive defeats they suffered at the beginning of the season. They have won 11 times and drawn once since, as they have steadied their season to rise to second on the table.
Al-Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, scored 39 goals, and conceded 15 in this run, as they have come to within 4 points of leaders Al-Hilal.
Injury Report
Al-Hilal are still without Neymar, with the Brazilian ruled out for the rest of the season.
Al-Nassr have not reported fresh injury worries ahead of the clash against Al-Hilal on Friday.
Team News
With Neymar ruled out, Jorge Jesus is expected to trust Alexandar Mitrovic to lead the line in the crunch clash against Al-Nassr.
Al-Nassr will rely on their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo to shoot them to a win on Friday as they bid to cut Al-Hilal’s lead at the top of the table to just a point.
Prediction
Al-Hilal will be the favorites to win the match and extend their lead at the top of the table.
