Sports Mole previews Saturday's Saudi Pro League conflict between Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal, together with predictions, team information and doable lineups.
Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal are poised for a excessive-stakes conflict in the Saudi Pro League this weekend, with the hosts keen to shut the hole on the league leaders whereas sitting in seventh place after their opening 5 matches.
The guests arrive in imperious kind, main the league desk with 5 wins from 5 matches and a formidable tally of 16 objectives, and they're recent from a dominant victory over Al-Shorta final day trip.
Match preview
© Imago
Al-Ahli enter this conflict desperate to show themselves in opposition to reigning champions Al-Hilal, presently sitting seventh in the Saudi Pro League with seven factors from 5 matches after a combined begin to the season that includes two wins, one draw and two losses.
Their most up-to-date league outing led to a 1-0 defeat in opposition to Al-Qadsiah, highlighting their wrestle for consistency in these early levels of the marketing campaign; nonetheless, a 2-0 win away to Al Wasl in the AFC Champions League Elite would have restored confidence and they are going to be hoping to hold that momentum into this encounter.
The hosts have been pretty productive, netting seven objectives of their 5 league matches thus far, with new signing Ivan Toney hitting the floor operating alongside Roberto Firmino, each having already notched two objectives every this season to spice up an assault that scored 67 objectives final season.
Al-Malaki have conceded 5 objectives in the league, however they'll face their hardest take a look at but in opposition to an Al-Hilal aspect that has scored 16 objectives in 5 video games; their backline will have to be at its greatest to face an opportunity of getting a end result, particularly after conceding a late equaliser to the guests in the Super Cup sport earlier this season.
The Blue Waves enter this match filled with confidence, comfortably main the Saudi Pro League with most factors from 5 video games, having made a spectacular begin to the season and remaining unbeaten throughout all competitions.
The guests have been dominant in assault, netting 16 objectives in the league thus far and their current 5-0 demolition of Al-Shorta in the AFC Champions League Elite midweek highlights their imperious scoring kind.
A key consider Al-Hilal's success this season has been Aleksandar Mitrovic‘s scientific ending, together with his dramatic equaliser in opposition to Al-Ahli in the Super Cup earlier this season showcasing his knack for delivering in essential moments, and he'll as soon as once more be anticipated to steer the line on this weekend's showdown.
The guests' current dominance over Al-Ahli, with eight wins of their final 10 conferences, together with their most up-to-date league conflict, offers them a major benefit heading into the match, bolstered by the unbeaten streak they've maintained in that run since 2020.
With an ideal report this season, Al-Hilal are centered on retaining their title and a win in opposition to Al-Ahli would solidify their place at the high of the desk, as they proceed to rise to the event amidst robust competitors from rivals like Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad.
Al-Ahli Saudi Pro League kind:
Al-Ahli kind (all competitions):
Al-Hilal Saudi Pro League kind:
Al-Hilal kind (all competitions):
Team News
The hosts will nonetheless be with out lengthy-time period midfielder absentees Abdullah Otayf (ligament) and Mohammed Al-Majhad (knee) for this match.
Toney has been a standout performer, contributing to 4 objectives thus far for the hosts since his debut, and his partnership with Firmino shall be key as Al-Ahli look to interrupt down the formidable Al-Hilal defence.
Al-Ahli might want to train warning with Ziyad Al Johani, who's prone to suspension as a result of his 4 yellow playing cards this season, as his self-discipline is important for the hosts to retain their midfield choices.
Mitrovic is the league's main scorer with eight objectives this season, and has persistently demonstrated his capability to determine video games in his team's favour, one thing he shall be seeking to do once more on this match.
The guests will nonetheless be with out Neymar, who's sidelined with a cruciate ligament tear and is anticipated to return by the finish of October.
Al-Ahli doable starting lineup:
Al Sanbi; Majrashi, Demiral, Ibanez, Al Amar; Al Johani, Kessie; Mahrez, Firmino, Veiga; Toney
Al-Hilal doable starting lineup:
Bounou; Cancelo, Koulibaly, Al-Bulayhi, Lodi; Milinkovic-Savic, Neves; Malcom, Leonardo, Al-Dawsari; Mitrovic
We say: Al-Ahli 0-3 Al-Hilal
Al-Hilal enter this match in distinctive kind, boasting an ideal report in the league and a exceptional aim tally of 16 objectives in 5 matches.
With Aleksandar Mitrovic main the line as the league's high scorer, their assault has confirmed to be each potent and relentless. The guests ought to overcome their hosts simply.
For knowledge evaluation of the most probably outcomes, scorelines and extra for this match please click on right here.