Al Ahli vs Al Hilal Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Saudi Pro League

Al Ahli vs Al Hilal Preview

Tournament: Saudi Pro League

Date: Friday, 19 September

Kick-off time: 18:00 GMT

Venue: King Abdullah Sports City

Matchday three of the Saudi Pro League sees Al Ahli welcoming rivals Al Hilal on Friday at the King Abdullah Sports City in a power-packed match which should surely excite the fans.

Al Ahli have made a good start to the season, maintaining an unbeaten run thus far, registering four points in the league courtesy of one win and a draw. They have also done well in cup competitions, securing a 5-0 win over Al Arabi in the round of 32 of the King's Cup and also securing a 4-2 win over Nasaf Qarshi in the AFC Champions League Elite. Matthias Jaissle's side will now be looking to return to winning ways after a goalless draw in the league last time against Al Ettifaq.

Al Hilal, on the other hand, are going through a transition period under Simone Inzaghi, who has been brought in to turn their season around. So far, they have done well, registering one win and one draw in the league, which came against Al Qadsiah in the last outing in an exciting 2-2 thriller. They also did well in the first match of the Champions League Elite, securing a 2-1 win over Al Duhail SC. Darwin Nunez is already showing good signs, having scored two goals in his first three matches with the club.

Al Ahli Team News

Matthias Jaissle is likely to make some changes here, bringing the likes of Wenderson Galeno and Zakaria Al Hawsawi, and Franck Kessie back to the starting eleven after giving them a rest in the midweek.

Al Hilal Team News

Simone Inzaghi's side also has all the players available for this match. Darwin Nunez and Kalidou Koulibaly are expected to be in the starting eleven after starting from the bench in the midweek.

Al Ahli vs Al Hilal Predicted Lineups

Al Ahli predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Mendy

Defenders: Majrashi, Demiral, Ibanez, Al Hawsawi

Midfielders: Aljohani, Kessie

Attackers: Mahrez, Millot, Galeno; Toney

Al Hilal predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Bounou

Defenders: Cancelo, Al Tambakti, Koulibaly, Hernandez

Midfielders: Neves, Kanno

Attackers: Malcom, Milinkovic-Savic, Al-Dawsari, Nunez

Al Ahli vs Al Hilal H2H Record

These two sides have faced each other 24 times before this clash where the home team have registered six wins, drawn seven and lost 11 times against the visitors.

Key players to watch in Al Ahli Vs Al Hilal

Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli)

Riyad Mahrez finally opened his account for the new season in their victory over Nasaf Qarshi in the AFC Champions League Elite. This match will present him with the chance to score his first goal against a team he likes to play against. After scoring 17 goals last season and providing 19 assists, Mahrez will be hoping to help the team with his goals and assists.

Darwin Nunez (Al Hilal)

Darwin Nunez has effortlessly made his transition to the team, already scoring two goals in three matches. He has looked sharp, and especially his positioning inside the box has been a treat to watch. He is already developing with his teammates, evident by his goal in the last match, where Malcom put a cross on a plate for him for an easy tap-in.

Al Ahli Vs Al Hilal Prediction

This is going to be an exciting match as two of the best sides in the league face each other. Both sides showcased some high-profile players, but judging by the recent encounters, we expect Al Ahli to secure a narrow victory, considering they are playing at home.

Predicted Score: Al Ahli 2-1 Al Hilal

Where to watch Al Ahli Vs Al Hilal Live?