Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal are poised for a high-stakes clash in the Saudi Pro League this weekend, with the hosts eager to close the gap on the league leaders while sitting in seventh place after their opening five matches.
The visitors arrive in imperious form, leading the league table with five wins from five matches and an impressive tally of 16 goals, and they are fresh from a dominant victory over Al-Shorta last time out.
Match preview
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Al-Ahli enter this clash eager to prove themselves against reigning champions Al-Hilal, currently sitting seventh in the Saudi Pro League with seven points from five matches after a mixed start to the season featuring two wins, one draw and two losses.
Their most recent league outing ended in a 1-0 defeat against Al-Qadsiah, highlighting their struggle for consistency in these early stages of the campaign; however, a 2-0 win away to Al Wasl in the AFC Champions League Elite would have restored confidence and they will be hoping to carry that momentum into this encounter.
The hosts have been fairly productive, netting seven goals in their five league matches so far, with new signing Ivan Toney hitting the ground running alongside Roberto Firmino, both having already notched two goals each this season to boost an attack that scored 67 goals last season.
Al-Malaki have conceded five goals in the league, but they will face their toughest test yet against an Al-Hilal side that has scored 16 goals in five games; their backline will need to be at its best to stand a chance of getting a result, especially after conceding a late equaliser to the visitors in the Super Cup game earlier this season.
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The Blue Waves enter this match full of confidence, comfortably leading the Saudi Pro League with maximum points from five games, having made a spectacular start to the season and remaining unbeaten across all competitions.
The visitors have been dominant in attack, netting 16 goals in the league so far and their recent 5-0 demolition of Al-Shorta in the AFC Champions League Elite midweek highlights their imperious scoring form.
A key factor in Al-Hilal's success this season has been Aleksandar Mitrovic's clinical finishing, with his dramatic equaliser against Al-Ahli in the Super Cup earlier this season showcasing his knack for delivering in crucial moments, and he will once again be expected to lead the line in this weekend's showdown.
The visitors' recent dominance over Al-Ahli, with eight wins in their last 10 meetings, including their most recent league clash, gives them a significant advantage heading into the match, bolstered by the unbeaten streak they have maintained in that run since 2020.
With a perfect record this season, Al-Hilal are focused on retaining their title and a win against Al-Ahli would solidify their place at the top of the table, as they continue to rise to the occasion amidst strong competition from rivals like Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad.
Team News
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The hosts will still be without long-term midfielder absentees Abdullah Otayf (ligament) and Mohammed Al-Majhad (knee) for this match.
Toney has been a standout performer, contributing to four goals so far for the hosts since his debut, and his partnership with Firmino will be key as Al-Ahli look to break down the formidable Al-Hilal defence.
Al-Ahli will need to exercise caution with Ziyad Al Johani, who is at risk of suspension due to his four yellow cards this season, as his discipline is vital for the hosts to retain their midfield options.
Mitrovic is the league's leading scorer with eight goals this season, and has consistently demonstrated his ability to decide games in his team's favour, something he will be looking to do again in this match.
The visitors will still be without Neymar, who is sidelined with a cruciate ligament tear and is expected to return by the end of October.
Al-Ahli possible starting lineup:
Al Sanbi; Majrashi, Demiral, Ibanez, Al Amar; Al Johani, Kessie; Mahrez, Firmino, Veiga; Toney
Al-Hilal possible 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 exceptional form, boasting a perfect record in the league and a remarkable goal tally of 16 goals in five matches.
With Aleksandar Mitrovic leading the line as the league's top scorer, their attack has proven to be both potent and relentless. The visitors should overcome their hosts easily.
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