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Al Ahli Saudi vs Al Hilal Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips | Saudi Pro League

  • Date: 19 April, Friday
  • Kick-off Time: 6:00 PM (GMT)
  • Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City

Al Ahli Saudi vs Al Hilal Preview: 

Al Ahli Saudi vs Al Hilal will kick off on Friday evening as the two sides clash on matchday 28 of the Saudi Pro League. Al Ahli will enter the battle on the back of some nervy performances as they have managed to win only two ties in their last five outings in the league. Their latest outing also ended in a 1-1 draw against Al Wehda. Despite the dip in form, the side has been impressive in their first season back in the top tier of the Saudi Arabia football pyramid and they will be eager to return to winning ways with a victory against table toppers Al Hilal.

Meanwhile, visiting the King Abdullah Sports City stadium is  Al Hilal. The table toppers have been sensational all season and are still unbeaten in the league. While they have been in impressive form all season, Al Hilal will enter the game with an even bigger boost as they won the Saudi Super Cup over the weekend by trashing  Al Ittihad 4-1. On Friday, Al Hilal will be eager to extend their unbeaten run in the league and win as they inch closer to securing the Saudi Pro League title. 

Al Ahli Saudi vs Al Hilal Team News:

Al Ahli: 

Franck Kessie ahead of Al Ahli Saudi vs Al Hilal
Franck Kessie will be crucial for Al Ahli Saudi vs Al Hilal (Pic Credits: Getty Images)

One of the primary reasons for the sudden decline in Al Ahli’s performances is their long injury list which has severely affected squad depth. On Friday, the Jeddah-based club will be without the services of Ziyad Aljohani. The defensive midfielder sustained an injury in the first week of April and is unlikely to recover in time for the Al Ahli Saudi vs Al Hilal battle. Ziyad will be accompanied by Haitham Asiri on the sidelines as the right winger continues to recover from his injury. 

Al Ahli were also dealt a massive blow to their defense recently as right back Ali Majrashi sustained a horrific neck injury in Al Ahli’s last outing against Al Wehda. The reports revealed serious damage ruling the promising right back out till the end of the season. 

Meanwhile, Gabri Veiga and Abdullah Otayf continue to recover from their long term injuries. While it hasn’t been confirmed yet, the two Al Ahli stars seem close to returning to first team dynamics and might even return to the pitch before the end of the season. 

Al Hilal:

Ruben Neves ahead of Al Ahli Saudi vs Al Hilal
Ruben Neves will be key for Al Hilal in the midfield (Pic Credits: Getty Images)

While Al Hilal has managed to escape most of the season injury-free, a couple of injuries have recently affected the squad. Striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has been in sensational form for the Riyadh-based club this season and has scored a whopping 33 goals across all competitions this season. Unfortunately for Al Hilal, the striker recently picked up an injury as the business end of the season approaches and is now ruled out for the Al Ahli Saudi vs Al Hilal clash.

While Mitrovic has been crucial in front of goal, Ali Al-Bulayhi has been irreplaceable for Al Hilal in defense. However similar to Mitrovic, the defender too sustained an injury recently and is now set to be absent for Al Ahli Saudi vs Al Hilal. 

Neymar Jr. and Muteb Al Mufarrij continue to remain on the sidelines as they recover from their long-term injuries. 

Al Ahli Saudi vs Al Hilal Predicted Lineups:

Al Ahli Expected XI:

Edouard Mendy (GK), Bassam Hurayji, Merih Demiral, Roger Ibanez, Abdullah Al-Amar, Franck Kessie, Ali Al-Amari,  Riyad Maharez, Roberto Firmino  (C), Saint Maximin, Firas

Al Hilal Expected XI: 

Bono (GK), Saud Abdulhamid, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ali Albulayhi, Renan Lodi, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Michael, Malcom, Salem Al-Dawsari (C), Saleh Al-Shehri

Al Ahli Saudi vs Al Hilal Head-to-Head Record: 

Since 2015, the two sides have faced each other in a total of 19 games. Predictably Al Hilal have had the edge in the battles as they won nine fixtures, while Al Ahli has managed to win four. Six games have ended in a draw. When the two sides faced off earlier in the season, Al Hilal managed to beat Al Ahli 3-1 at home. 

Last five results: 

  • Al Hilal 3-1 Al Ahli Saudi:- Saudi Pro League – 27 October, 2023
  • Al Hilal 4-2 Al Ahli Saudi:- Saudi Pro League – 18 March 2022
  • Al Ahli Saudi 1-1 Al Hilal:- Saudi Pro League – 29 October 2021
  • Al Hilal 5-1 Al Ahli Saudi:- Saudi Pro League – 19 May, 2021
  • Al Ahli Saudi 0-0 Al Hilal:- Saudi Pro League – 15 January 2021

Al Ahli Saudi vs Al Hilal Prediction:

The two clubs enter the tie in contrasting forms. While Al Ahli are a difficult side to beat, given Al Hilal’s sheer dominance in the Saudi Pro League this campaign, it is unlikely that Al Ahli will manage to shock the Riyadh-based club. It will be a closely contested game, but Al Hilal has the edge in the Al Ahli Saudi vs Al Hilal tie. 

Predicted Score: Al Ahli 1-2 Al Hilal

Al Ahli Saudi vs Al Hilal Betting Tips and Odds:

Bookmakers expect Al Hilal to win the Al Ahli Saudi vs Al Hilal battle in a closely contested game and score at least one goal.

  • Al Ahli Saudi win: 3.75
  • Draw: 3.90
  • Al Hilal win: 1.80

Odds Source: Oddspedia.com

Bookmaker: Stake

Where to watch Al Ahli Saudi vs Al Hilal:

  • India: Sony Liv, Sony Sports Network
  • Saudi Arabia: Saudi Sports Company (SSC)
  • United Kingdom: DAZN
  • USA: fuboTV, Fox Sports

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