Al Riyadh will welcome the defending champions Al Hilal to the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium on Saturday for a one-on-one Saudi Pro League clash scheduled to kick off at 19:00 GMT+1.
Key Highlights
Al Riyadh
After opening the season with a draw, Al Riyadh got their first win of the season in the clash before the international break.
In their opening match of the Saudi Pro League, Al Riyadh had to settle for a come-from-behind 3-3 draw at Al Wehda.
The draw highlighted some strengths and weaknesses for Al Riyadh for the upcoming clash against Al Hilal and the rest of the season. Firstly, scoring three goals was a plus for Al Riyadh, as it showed their potency in the final third.
Secondly, conceding three goals against Al Wehda does not bode well ahead of facing the most potent attack in the league, Al Hilal, on Saturday.
Riyadh will also have to watch their disciplinary issues after having Hussain Al-Nowaiqi sent off against Al Wehda. They also ceded possession, with just 40% of the ball, and managed just three shots on target.
Al Riyadh failed to keep a clean sheet in the 3-1 win over Al Kholood, although their attack maintained their potency with three wins. The focus for Al Riyadh will be improving their solidity while retaining their attacking potency.
Al Hilal
Jorge Jesus’s men have started from where they left off in their championship-winning run last season.
They have won two consecutive matches in two different ways. The first win against Al Okhdood was comfortable, routine, and dominant; they scored three goals, highlighting their strength in attack and keeping a clean sheet.
The second win against Damac was markedly different, with the champions made to work for the three points. They conceded two goals despite dominating the ball with 68% of the ball. Al Hilal also enjoyed dominance in attack with nine shots on target to the opponents’ three shots.
Jorge Jesus will look to return to the dominant performances to win three points at Al Riyadh.
Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrating the winning goal against Damac as his side edged the thrilling clash 3-2.
Injury Report
Neither side has reported fresh injury worries ahead of Saturday’s clash. However, Al Hilal’s long-term absentee, Neymar, might not be ready for a return yet.
Team News
Jorge Jesus will retain faith in an attack led by the Serbian striker Mitrovic and supported by Al Dawsari and Al Qahtani in wide areas. The pace and link-up play between the three will be crucial in breaking Al Riyadh’s defense down and creating opportunities.
Lamouchi will retain Konate as the point man at the tip of their attack, with attacking wide players and an advancing midfielder dovetailing to create and leverage spaces in front of the defense to create chances.
Prediction
Al Hilal are the heavy favorites ahead of the match. Al Riyadh will look to be compact and make it hard for the champions. However, Al Hilal will have too much for them and will take all three points.
