Al-Hilal vs Al Fateh – predictions, team news, line-ups

Two teams at opposite ends of the standings will face off this Thursday as Al-Hilal to welcome Al-Fateh during the 15th day Saudi Professional League.

The hosts sit at the top with 37 points, ahead of second-placed Al Ittihad on goal difference, while the template is rooted at the bottom, six points from safety having picked up just six points from 14 matches.

Match Preview

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Al-Hilal responded to a heartbreaking shootout exit in the King’s Cup quarter-final with ruthless intent, dismantling Al Orubah 5-0 at the Al Jouf University Sports Stadium last weekend.

The visitors quickly channeled their frustrations into a dominant display, with Rubén Nevès transforming from the spot in the 16th minute before the goals of Ali Albulaihi, Renan Lodi and a Marcos Leonard the double concluded the emphatic victory.

The resounding victory marks their 12th triumph in 14 league matches, with one draw and just one defeat – a 3-2 loss to Al Khaleej on November 23, which remains their only setback in the top flight for over a year.

Indeed, the Bosses have firmly established their dominance in the Saudi Pro League, winning the title six times in the last eight seasons, including an unbeaten campaign last season.

They are well placed to win another crown this season, with their latest victory propelling them to the summit, thanks to a superior goal difference over Al Ittihad, who stumbled in their own match.

Looking to extend their lead, the defending champions couldn’t have asked for a more favorable opponent this week than one of the league’s strugglers, who suffered 10 defeats in 14 matches, managing just one victory and three draws.

Al Fateh, here at you Slave Bilic departure by mutual agreement before the 2024-25 campaign, recently separated from his successor Jens Gustafssonthe Swede leaving on December 4 after picking up just one win in 11 matches, leaving Guido Hoffmann in interim charge.

The German has overseen two matches so far – a 2-2 draw against Al Shabab, followed by a 2-1 home defeat to Al Wehda in his last outing – extending Al Shabab’s winless run. Al Fateh in 13 matches in all competitions.

Thursday’s trip offers little hope of relief for the Role Model, who have lost five of their six away matches in the top flight, picking up just one draw – the worst away record in the division.

Their difficulties are further compounded by Al-Hilal’s imperious form at the Kingdom Arena, where the Blue Waves have won every league match this season.

Adding to Al Fateh’s concerns is their recent dismal record in this encounter, having lost each of the last three meetings against the hosts.

Al-Hilal Saudi Pro League form:

Al-Hilal form (all competitions):

Al Fateh Saudi Pro League form:

Team News

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Neymar remains absent as he continues his road to recovery, while Yasser Al Shahrani et Salem Al-Dawsari remain on the sidelines as they nurse cruciate ligament and muscle injuries respectively.

Al Hilal will also be deprived Alexandre Mitrović for a second consecutive match, with the Serbian striker ruled out for three weeks after injuring his hamstring in the King’s Cup clash against Al Ittihad.

The hosts can, however, take comfort in having a reliable option in Leonardo, who scored twice in their last outing and should lead the line again.

Lodi, who also got on the scoresheet in that win, could retain his starting spot after the club allayed concerns over an injury scare he picked up during the match.

For visitors, Sofiane Bendebkawho brought consolation during last Thursday’s defeat, should retain his place in midfield, the Algerian being a regular starter.

Meanwhile, Al Fateh’s top scorer, Gianniniwho has four league goals to his name, started from the bench in his previous match but could be handed a starting role in this one.

Possible starting lineup of Al-Hilal:
Bono ; Cancelo, Koulibaly, Albuquerque, Lodi ; Neves, Al-Dawsari ; Milinkovic-Savic, Malcom, Al-Qhatani; Leonard

Al Fateh possible starting lineup:
Szapannos ; Baattiah, Daheem, Zarie, Danayer ; Bendebka, Masoud; Batna, Zaid, Sbai ; Johnny

We say: Al-Hilal 3-0 Al Fateh

Al Hilal go into this encounter as clear favorites, buoyed by their recent form and superior head-to-head record, making a comfortable victory likely for the hosts as they look to retain their position at the top.

For data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this match please click here.

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