In a highly anticipated clash, Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal are set to welcome relegation-threatened Abha to Riyadh on Thursday.
Match Preview:
Jorge Jesus’s Al-Hilal has been unstoppable, securing an astonishing 18-game winning streak across all competitions.
The midway point of the season sees them comfortably atop the league, boasting a 10-point lead over Al-Nassr.
Their blend of attacking prowess and defensive solidity places them as the highest-scoring team with 50 goals and the best defensive record, featuring 10 clean sheets in 17 games.
The impressive run extends beyond the league, propelling Al-Hilal into the semi-finals of the Kings Cup and the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League.
Recent encounters with Abha have favored Al-Hilal, who have won the last four meetings, including a convincing 3-1 victory on the opening day courtesy of a Malcom hat-trick.
In contrast, Youssef Manai’s Abha enters the fixture in a precarious position. Despite breaking a five-game losing streak with a recent draw against Al Hazem, Abha remains in the relegation zone.
Last season’s narrow escape from relegation is now a distant memory as Abha faces another tough battle near the bottom, compounded by a five-game losing streak that saw them concede a staggering 19 goals.
Team News:
Al-Hilal is expected to maintain a consistent lineup, with star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic leading the attack in Neymar’s absence.
Abha, relying on six overseas players, will lean on top scorer Karl Toko Ekambi and former Ligue 1 player Francois Kamano in their quest for an unlikely result.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Al-Hilal: (4-2-3-1)
Bono;
Abdulhamid, Koulibaly, Al Bulayhi, Al Shahrani;
Ruben Neves, Milinkovic-Savic;
Michael, Malcolm, Al Dawsari;
Mitrovic
Abha: (4-3-3)
Tatarusanu;
Al Qumayzi, Al Sahafi, Noguera, Naji;
Al Sudani, Krychowiak, Matic;
Bguir, Toko Ekambi, Kamano
Prediction: Al-Hilal 6-0 Abha
With Al-Hilal’s outstanding form, the prediction leans heavily in their favor. Facing a side with no form, Abha is tasked with keeping the score down against the league leaders.
