A high-stakes encounter is on the horizon as Al-Hilal aims to maintain their unbeaten streak and extend their lead in the Saudi Pro League.
Match Preview
The clash against Al-Taawoun at the King Fahd International Stadium on Friday promises intense action and potential shifts in the league standings.
Al-Hilal has been a force to reckon with in the 2023-24 season, leading the league with 32 points from 12 games.
With an impressive goal-scoring record and a rock-solid defense, they enter the Friday showdown on the back of five consecutive league victories.
Jorge Jesus’s squad has showcased their prowess with 11 goals in recent outings, conceding only once.
Their journey includes notable wins against Al Shabab, Al Akhdoud, Al Khaleej, and a crucial 3-1 triumph over Al-Ahli.
The attacking trio of Michael, Malcom, and Salem Al-Dawsari, supporting the prolific Aleksandar Mitrovic, poses a formidable threat.
The Blue Waves aim to continue their winning momentum after a recent 2-0 victory over Al Fateh and a successful AFC Champions League campaign.
Al-Taawoun, currently third in the league with 25 points, presents a formidable challenge to Al-Hilal.
Despite a single defeat, they have showcased resilience with a tight defense, conceding only nine goals.
Joao Pedro, Musa Barrow, and Saad Al-Nasser lead the attacking charge, aiming to breach Al-Hilal’s defense.
Team News: Players to Watch
Al-Hilal faces the absence of Neymar due to injury, but the attacking quartet of Michael, Malcom, Al-Dawsari, and Mitrovic remains potent. The defensive lineup, featuring Milinkovic-Savic, Neves, Al-Bulayhi, and Koulibaly, provides a solid foundation.
Al-Taawoun’s Joao Pedro, Musa Barrow, and Saad Al-Nasser headline their attacking options, supported by El Mahdioui and Flavio in midfield. Girotto and Al-Ahmad form a robust defensive partnership.
Predicted Lineups:
Al-Hilal Possible Starting Lineup:
- Bounou;
- Abdulhamid, Koulibaly, Al-Bulayhi, Al-Shahrani;
- Neves, Milinkovic-Savic;
- Michael, Malcom, Al-Dawsari;
- Mitrovic
Al-Taawoun Possible Starting Lineup:
- Maylson;
- Abdulaziz, Girotto, Al-Ahmad, Faquihi;
- Flavio, El Mahdioui, Medran;
- Al-Nasser, Pedro, Barrow
Match Prediction: Al-Hilal 2-0 Al-Taawoun
In a closely contested battle, Al-Hilal’s attacking prowess is expected to secure a 2-0 victory over Al-Taawoun. The clash promises excitement and pivotal moments as both teams vie for dominance in the Saudi Pro League.