Al Hilal will play in front of the home fans at the Kingdom Arena on Saturday as they welcome Al Taawoun in a Saudi Pro League clash. Kickoff is slated for 18:00 GMT.
Key Highlights
Al Hilal
Al Hilal won a thrilling match in the AFC Champions League, 4-5, as they eventually held on for the three points.
In a match that was marked by the long-awaited return of Brazilian striker Neymar, Al Hilal demonstrated an attacking masterclass even as their typically solid rearguard crumbled under pressure.
Al Hilal were unusually on the back foot, having 44% of the ball and conceding 20 attempted shots (10 on target) compared to their 15 attempts (six on target). Jorge Jesus’s charges showed a clinical edge in scoring five times from six shots on target.
The clash against Al Ain can be juxtaposed to their dominant 3-0 win against Al Fayha. They dominated the match with 63% of the ball and a match-high 20 attempted shots, nine of which were on target.
Jorge Jesus will look to retain his side’s form in the Saudi Pro League when they host Al Taawoun, with emphasis on dominating the ball, dictating the tempo, and creating many chances in the attacking end.
Neymar Jr’s return from injury has been in the news, but the Brazilian will not be making a league appearance until January
Al Taawoun
Al Taawoun have had an average start to the season, winning three times, drawing twice, and losing two in the process.
They have scored nine times and conceded six goals; the balance they have realized in their performances has been crucial in allowing them to build a platform to collect points and remain competitive in the middle of the table.
Two draws and a win in their last three shows an upturn in form; they have scored five times and conceded three times in this run, keeping a clean sheet in the process. They will look to parley this run of form to create momentum and form ahead of facing the in-form Al Hilal on Saturday.
Injury Report
There are no fresh injury worries on either side ahead of their clash on Saturday. Al Hilal have welcomed Neymar Jr. back from injury, but he’s not eligible to play in the Saudi Pro League until he’s registered when the portal opens in January.
Team News
Jorge Jesus will entrust his forward line, which has been in sublime form since the beginning of the season. Aleksandar Mitrović will spearhead the attack, supported by Malcom and Al Dawsari.
Mandash, Pereira dos Santos, and Barrow have been the go-to attacking partnership for Al Taawoun; they are expected to lead the line as they attempt what has not been done this season in the Saudi Pro League, defeating Al Hilal.
Prediction
Al Hilal are the football pick favorites to win the three points and extend their 100% start to the season, and bolster their stranglehold on the top-of-the-table berth.
