Aleksandar Mitrovic

Al Shabab vs Al Hilal Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips | SPL

Arnav Kholkar

Al Shabab vs Al Hilal Match Preview

Al Shabab vs Al Hilal will take place in the Saudi Pro League (SPL) at the Al Shabab FC Stadium on March 30.

The hosts will enter this game on the back of a mixed run of form. They have won two, lost two and drawn one of their last five games in the SPL. In that time, Al Shabab have scored eight goals and conceded six, keeping three clean sheets along the way. Having finished fourth in the league last season, they have had a poor campaign so far, with just 28 points from 24 games. Having won their last game 3-0 against Al Hazem, they will look to put in a strong performance.

The visitors, on the other hand, have recent made history with their form. Al Hilal have won their last 32 games on the bounce, setting a new world record for the longest winning streak by a club. They have scored 12 goals in their last five games and have conceded just three, keeping two clean sheets in the process. With a 12-point lead over Al Nassr in the SPL, they will look to extend their winning streak and wrap up the title sooner rather than later. They defeated Damac 2-1 at home in their last game.

With that said, let’s take a look at the team news from both sides ahead of this match.

Team News

Al Shabab

Manager Vitor Pereira will have a few injury woes ahead of the team’s next game. Long-term absentee Seung-gyu Kim will remain sidelined for the foreseeable future having suffered a cruciate ligament injury. Mohammed Al-Absi has deputised between the sticks in his absence.

However, their 3-0 win in their last game had a sour taste to it with two players suffering injuries. Winger Vitinho and defender Moteb Al-Harbi both came off injured in that game, leaving their participation in the next one in doubt.

Iago Santos (9), Fahad Al-Muwallad (4), Hattan Bahebri (4), Nader Al-Sharari (4) and Hussain Al-Monassar (4) all face the risk of suspension for excessive yellow cards.

Al Hilal

Neymar is yet to return to training. (Getty Images)

Manager Jorge Jesus has few worries on his plate, with injuries arguably being the least of them. Star striker Neymar remains sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury picked up in October 2023, with no return date in sight. The Brazilian could probably miss the rest of the campaign.

Meanwhile, Aleksandar Mitrovic (4) and Saud Abdulhamid (4) face the risk of being suspended should they pick up another yellow card.

Predicted Lineups

Al Shabab

Having won their last game, Pereira will look to retain the same combination.

Predicted XI: Mohammed Al-Absi (GK); Nader Al Sharari, Iago Santos, Romain Saiss (C); Hamad Al Yami, Gustavo Cuellar, Musab Fahd Aljuwayr, Carlos Junior; Nawaf Alsadi, Habib Diallo, Vitinho.

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Al Hilal

Manager Jorge Jesus has maintained the same lineup in recent weeks and will do so again.

Predicted XI: Bono (GK); Saud Abdulhamid, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ali Albulayhi, Yasir Al-Shahrani; Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Ruben Neves; Michael, Malcom, Salem Al-Dawsari (C); Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Al Shabab vs Al Hilal Head-to-Head Record

Al Hilal have been dominant in recent meetings between these two clubs. They have won four of the last six meetings, while Al Shabab have won one and the teams have shared one draw. In that time, Al Hilal have scored 13 goals, while Al Shabab have scored six.

Last 6 Games

  • Al Hilal 2-0 Al Shabab (09/23)
  • Al Hilal 3-1 Al Shabab (08/23)
  • Al Shabab 3-0 Al Hilal (04/23)
  • Al Hilal 1-1 Al Shabab (10/22)
  • Al Hilal 2-1 Al Shabab (04/22)
  • Al Hilal 5-0 Al Shabab (02/22)
Al Shabab vs Al Hilal
Al Shabab vs Al Hilal ended in a 2-0 win for the visitors last time. (Getty Images)

Prediction

Considering the form Al Hilal are in, it will take a miracle to stop them from winning this game. Al Shabab have been in decent scoring form recently and could grab a goal but that is all they are likely to take away from this game.

Prediction: Al Shabab 1-3 Al Hilal.

Betting Tips & Odds

Al Hilal have won games in style in their impressive streak, scoring two or more goals in each of their last five games. They are likely to continue that form for the next one as well.

Tips

  • Both Teams to Score – Yes: 1.70
  • Match Total – Over 3.5: 2.39
  • To Score in Both Halves – Al Hilal: 2.08

Match Odds

  • Al Shabab Win: 6.10
  • Draw: 4.60
  • Al Hilal Win: 1.45

Al Shabab vs Al Hilal Timings & Telecast

  • Date & Time: Saturday, March 30th at 8:00 PM (GMT).
  • India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV app & website.
  • UK: DAZN.
  • US: fuboTV.
  • Saudi Arabia: Shahid.  

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