Al Hilal vs Al Nassr Preview and Prediction
Al Hilal vs Al Nassr Match Preview
- Tournament – Riyadh Season Cup
- Date – Thursday, February 8, 2024
- Kick-off Time – 06:00 pm GMT
- Venue – Kingdom Arena
Al Hilal will face off against Al Nassr in the two sides’ final mid-season friendly clash on Thursday, February 8.
Both sides are competing for the Saudi Pro League title this season. Al Hilal sits atop the table after 19 games while Al Nassr are seven points behind. Before they resume their competitive campaign, they will face off in the Riyadh Season Cup.
Al Hilal beat Inter Miami 4-3 in their previous game on January 29. They will also face DC United before clashing with Al Nassr.
The Knights of Njad, meanwhile, were scheduled for a mid-season tour to China but it was postponed due to Cristiano Ronaldo’s injury. They then hammered Inter Miami 6-0 in their last game.
The upcoming clash, while a friendly, could be a crucial one as the two rivals look to gauge each other before the season resumes.
Also Read: Al Nassr vs Inter Miami ends in 6-0 demolition by hosts as Aymeric Laporte scores sensational goal
Team News
Al Hilal are without Mohammed Al Owais, Muteb Al Mufaarij, and Neymar Jr. due to their respective injuries. Meanwhile, Al Nassr are without David Ospina, who was subbed off against Inter Miami due to an injury.
In a big boost though, Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to return to action for the Knights of Njad against Al Hilal.
Predicted Lineups
Al Hilal:
Goalkeeper: Hbib Al-Wutaian
Defenders: Yasir Al Shahrani, Khalifah Aldawsari, Mohammed Jahfali, Renan Lodi
Midfielders: Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Adbullah Al Hamddan
Attackers: Michael, Malcolm, Aleksandar Mitrovic
Al Nassr:
Goalkeeper: Waleed Abdullah
Defenders: Nawaf Al-Boushail, Abdulelah Al Amri, Aymeric Laporte, Alex Telles
Midfielders: Abdulmajeed Al Sulaiheem, Marcelo Brozovic, Otavio
Attackers: Anderson Talisca, Abdulaziz Al Aliwa, Mohammed Maran
Head-to-Head
Al Hilal have won 12 of the 24 meetings between the two sides across competitions. Al Nassr have won eight times while four have ended in a draw.
Al Hilal beat Luis Castro’s side 3-0 in their last meeting earlier this season.
Last five results:
Al Nassr 3-0 Al Hilal – Saudi Pro League – December 1, 2023
Al Hilal 1-2 Al Nassr – Arab Club Champions Cup – August 12, 2023
Al Hilal 2-0 Al Nassr – Saudi Pro League – April 19, 2023
Al Nassr 2-2 Al Hilal – Saudi Pro League – December 26, 2022
Al Nassr 0-4 Al Hilal – Saudi Pro League – March 3, 2022
Also Read: Messi and Suarez Shine, but defensive woes haunt Inter Miami in Riyadh Cup loss to Al-Hilal
Prediction
Despite being a pre-season clash, both sides displayed great intensity and quality in their last mid-season game against Inter Miami. While Al Hilal secured a narrow 4-3 win, Al Nassr hammered the Lionel Messi-led side 6-0.
Al Hilal holds a big edge in recent head-to-head between the two rivals and the trend could continue on Thursday. Cristiano Ronaldo’s return would be a big boost for Al Nassr but is unlikely to play the entire 90 mins.
Predicted Score: Al Hilal 3-2 Al Nassr
Odds (subject to change)
- Al Hilal win – 2.10
- Al Nassr win – 2.90
- Draw – 4.70
- Odds source – Oddspedia.com
Where to Watch
- India – Fancode
- UK – DAZN/DAZN 1
- US – Fubo TV/ Apple TV
- Saudi Arabia- Shahid TV