Al-Awwal Park will host the Capital Derby on Friday as third-placed hosts Al Nassr welcome Al Hilal, the leaders of the Saudi Pro League, in a one-on-one clash scheduled to kick off at 19:00 GMT+1.
Key Highlights
Al Nassr
Stefano Pioli’s Al Nassr have started the season in decent form; in their opening eight rounds of fixtures in the Saudi Pro League, they have five wins, three draws, and no defeats. This run of form has seen them collect 18 points from a possible 24, and they sit third on the table, three points behind second-placed Al Ittihad and six points behind the league leaders and their opponents on Friday, Al Hilal.
In front of their home supporters, Al Nassr are unbeaten so far this season; they have two wins, two draws, and 0 losses. Away from home, they have won 3 times and drawn once.
The 19 goals that Stefano Pioli’s side have scored rank them as the third-best attacking force in the Saudi Pro League, behind Al Hilal (23) and Al Ittihad (21). Al Nassr’s output in attack is a slight overperformance of their average xG For of 2.08. With seven goals conceded, Al Nassr boasts the joint-second-best defensive record in the Saudi Pro League.
Al Nassr will put their unbeaten record against Al Hilal’s unbeaten record, with the outcome posing significant ramifications at the top end of the table.
Al Hilal
A 100% record after eight rounds of fixtures highlights Al Hilal’s stunning form this season. They have been the best in the league in every aspect. They top the goalscoring charts with a league-high 23 goals. They have conceded the second-fewest goals in the league with six, one more than Al Shabab’s 5.
Jorge Jesus will look to get his side to retain their impetus in midfield, dominate the ball, and create high-quality chances. However, tactical awareness will be required for Al Hilal when facing Al Nassr, who have significant pace in attack.
Al Hilal like to play on the front foot, press from the front, and squeeze their opponents. However, in this match, they will need to pick their moments to press to ensure that they are not sucked in and exposed on the counter.
Al Hilal will look for a win against one of their direct rivals in the Saudi Pro League as they aim to press home their advantage at the top of the log
Injury Report
Al Nassr has an almost full complement ahead of hosting Al Hilal. However, they will be without attacking midfielder Sami Al Najel, who is nursing and recovering from cruciate ligament surgery.
Al Hilal have not reported any fresh injury worries ahead of the Capital Derby; however, Neymar will not be eligible to play in the Saudi Pro League just yet after the Brazilian legend made his long-awaited return from injury.
Team News
After their winning run ended with a 3-3 draw away to Al Kholood last Friday, Stefano Pioli will look to make subtle changes to reorganize the defensive phase and ensure his side is robust. Laporte and Alwjami will play a central role in controlling the threat posed by Serbian striker Mitrović.
Aleksandar Mitrović, Al-Dawsari, Leonardo, and Lamcom are expected to start in the offensive end of the Al Hilal attack as Jorge Jesus looks to extend their 100% record this season in the Saudi Pro League.
Prediction
Al Hilal are favored to edge this match and take the three points on offer, extending their dominance at the top of the table.
