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

Al Hilal vs Al Shabab Preview

Tournament: Saudi Pro League

Date: 21st April, 2025

Kick-off time: 3:35 PM GMT

Venue: Kingdom Arena

In the 29th game of the Saudi Pro League, Al Hilal will host Al Shabab on Monday at the Kingdom Arena. While the hosts are keen to bolster their bid for a top-6 position, Al Hilal will be trying to push their way closer to the top of the Saudi Pro League standings.

Al Hilal lie four points behind league leaders Al-Ittihad with six games remaining; the home team has had a somewhat poor league season and appears certain to miss out on the championship. They would fancy themselves after the league leaders lost their game 2-0 against Al Fateh with a disappointing performance. The Blue Waves come into this game after a convincing 3-0 victory against Al Khaleej, where the midfield duo of Ruben Neves and Milinkovic-Savic had a dominating game. For Al Hilal, Al-Dawasari netted a brace, and Aleksander Mitrovic scored the final goal to ensure all three points. They have been inconsistent in the last five games of the league, where they have secured three wins, one loss, and a draw. Out of the 28 games, they have secured 19 wins, five losses, and four draws.

On the other hand, Al Shabab will look to perform well to try for a spot in the top three, as they stand sixth in the league with 50 points. Out of the 28 games, they have registered 15 wins, five draws, and eight losses. They would highly rely on their top scorer, Abderrazak Hamdallah, who has so far scored 19 goals and registered two assists. They remain unbeaten in the last five games, winning three and drawing two.

Al Hilal Team News

They do not have fresh injury concerns for the upcoming fixture as their crucial player, Joao Cancelo, came on as a substitute after a muscle injury. The only player to remain unavailable for the game is Abdullah Al-Hamdan, who has suffered a hamstring injury. Manager Jorge Jesus is expected to start with a back four consisting of Al Harbi, Tambakti, Koulibaly, and Al Shahrani.

Al Shabab Team News

An encouraging development for Al Shabab is the return to full fitness of versatile Belgium international Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco; however, South Korea's Kim Seung-gyu and Saudi Arabia's Fahad Al Muwallad are still absent. Manager Faith Terim will rely on the attacking trio of Podence, Hamdallah, and Carrasco. The trio has 21 goals in the league so far.

Al Hilal vs Al Shabab Predicted Lineups

Al Hilal Predicted Lineup

Goalkeeper: Bono

Defenders: Al Harbi, Tambakti, Koulibaly, Al Shahrani

Midfielders: Kanno, Milinkovic-Savic, Neves

Attackers: Marcos Leonardo, Malcom, Mitrovic

Al Shabab Predicted Lineup

Goalkeeper: Al Maiouf

Defenders: Al Thani, Al Sharari, Hoedt, Roberto Renan

Midfielders: Cristian Guanca, Kamara, Aljuwayr

Attackers: Podence, Hamdallah, Carrasco

Al Hilal vs Al Shabab Head-to-Head Record

Both teams have faced each other 23 times, and out of which Al Hilal has emerged victorious 15 times and Al Shabab has won only a couple of times. Six matches have ended in a draw.

Key Player to Watch Out in Al Hilal vs Al Shabab

Marcos Leonardo (Al Hilal)

The Brazilian has been the talisman for Al Hilal in the league this season. He has scored 17 goals and registered two assists in 24 games that he has played. The 21-year-old forward has been promising for the blue waves, cutting in and out of the defence. In the last five games, he has scored just once in the 0-2 victory against Al Taawoun and would look to improve upon that record.

Yannick Carasco (Al Shabab)

An important figure to keep an eye on in the next game with Al Hilal is the Belgian winger for Al Shabab. Carrasco, who is renowned for his dexterity, accurate dribbling, and capacity to generate scoring opportunities, has played a key role in Al Shabab's recent successes. He has returned from injury in the last game and has shown some glimpses. He has so far scored just one and assisted one in the league and will be eager to change that for the club.

Al Hilal vs Al Shabab Prediction

Given their previous successes, notably a 2-1 victory in November of last year, and their good form, Al Hilal is the favourite to defeat Al Shabab. Yannick Carrasco's ability might make it a hotly contested encounter, but Al Shabab's inconsistency could be a problem. An exciting game is to be expected

Predicted Score: Al Hilal 2-0 Al Shabab

Where to Watch Al Hilal vs Al Shabab