Al Ittihad vs Al-Hilal: Preview, Predictions, Team News, and Lineups
In an anticipated clash in the Saudi Pro League, Al Ittihad will take on Al-Hilal at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium this Friday. Both teams are currently among the league’s top contenders, separated by just one point. This match promises to be a significant event in Saudi Arabia’s football calendar.
Match Preview
Al Ittihad is positioned fifth in the Saudi Pro League, accumulating 10 points from five matches. The team has earned three wins, one draw, and one loss. Coach Sergio Conceicao’s squad has shown potential despite some inconsistency. Notably, they had a strong showing earlier this week with a 4-1 victory over Al Shorta in the AFC Champions League. This performance highlighted their attacking capabilities and provided a much-needed boost in morale.
In the league, Al Ittihad has scored 11 goals while conceding seven. However, their home performance raises concerns, as they have won only one of their two home games. With this match against a title rival, Conceicao will be aiming to strengthen their home advantage.
Al-Hilal’s Strong Form
In contrast, Al-Hilal enters the match in impressive form. Under coach Simone Inzaghi, they remain unbeaten in the league, sitting fourth with 11 points from five matches, including three wins and two draws. Their last league match ended in a convincing 5-0 win over Al Ettifaq, showcasing their attacking power with 15 goals scored and only six conceded, making their offense the second-best in the league.
Al-Hilal also celebrated a 3-1 victory against Al Sadd in the AFC Champions League, extending their unbeaten streak across all competitions to nine matches. They have amassed 15 goals over their last five outings, demonstrating both tactical discipline and clinical finishing on the road, as they earned four points from two away matches this season.
Head-to-Head Record
The historical encounters between Al Ittihad and Al-Hilal have seen the latter edge ahead, with three wins out of their last five meetings. Nevertheless, Al Ittihad’s recent 4-1 victory over Al-Hilal in their previous clash will instill confidence in the Tigers.
Team News
- Al Ittihad: Karim Benzema, despite not scoring in his past two games, remains vital to the team’s attack with three goals this season. Danilo Pereira returns after serving a suspension, while defender Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti is doubtful due to a muscle injury.
- Al-Hilal: Joao Cancelo is sidelined with a hamstring injury, and star winger Salem Al Dawsari is expected to miss the match due to a hip problem. Suhayb Al Zaid continues his lengthy recovery from a cruciate ligament injury.
Predicted Lineups
| Al Ittihad | Al-Hilal |
|---|---|
| Rajkovic | Bono |
| Al-Julaydan | Hernandez |
| Al-Mousa | Koulibaly |
| Pereira | Al-Harbi |
| Simic | Akcicek |
| Kante | Malcom |
| Aouar | Milinkovic-Savic |
| Fabinho | Neves |
| Diaby | Al Dawsari |
| Benzema | Leonardo |
| Bergwijn | Nunez |
Match Prediction
All factors considered, our prediction leans towards a 2-1 victory for Al-Hilal. Their strong form, superior cohesion, and attacking prowess suggest they have the upper hand in this competitive matchup. Despite Al Ittihad’s recent triumph in continental football, Al-Hilal is poised to secure three crucial points in this encounter.
