Two sides at opposite ends in the standings will face off this Thursday as Al-Hilal play hosts to Al Fateh in matchday 15 of Saudi Pro League.
The hosts sit at the summit with 37 points, edging second-placed Al Ittihad on goal difference, while the Role Model are rooted to the bottom, six points adrift of safety after collecting just six points from 14 matches.
Match preview
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Al-Hilal responded to a heartbreaking penalty shootout exit in the King's Cup quarterfinal with ruthless intent, dismantling Al Orubah 5-0 at the Al Jouf University Sports Stadium last weekend.
The visitors swiftly channelled their frustrations into a dominant display, with Ruben Neves converting from the spot in the 16th minute before second-half goals from Ali Albulayhi, Renan Lodi and a Marcos Leonardo brace wrapped up the emphatic victory.
That commanding win marked their 12th triumph in 14 league games, alongside one draw and just one loss – a 3-2 defeat to Al Khaleej on November 23, which remains their only setback in the top flight in over a year.
Indeed, the Boss have firmly established their dominance in the Saudi Pro League, lifting the title six times in the last eight seasons, including an unbeaten campaign last term.
They are well placed to claim another crown this season, with their latest victory moving them to the summit, courtesy of a superior goal difference over Al Ittihad, who stumbled in their own match.
Looking to extend their lead, the reigning champions could not have asked for a more favourable opponent this week than one of the league's strugglers, who have suffered 10 defeats in 14 matches, managing just one win and three draws.
Al Fateh, who saw Slaven Bilic depart by mutual consent ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, recently parted ways with his successor Jens Gustafsson, with the Swede leaving on December 4 after managing just one win in 11 matches, leaving Guido Hoffmann in interim charge.
The German has overseen two games so far — a 2-2 draw against Al Shabab, followed by a 2-1 home loss to Al Wehda in their latest outing — extending Al Fateh's winless run to 13 matches across all competitions.
Thursday's trip offers little hope of relief for the Role Model, who have lost five of their six away fixtures in the top flight, picking up just one draw – the worst away record in the division.
Their struggles are further compounded by Al-Hilal's imperious form at the Kingdom Arena, where the Blue Waves have won every league game this season.
Adding to Al Fateh's concerns is their dismal recent record in this fixture, having lost each of the last three meetings with the hosts.
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Team News
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Neymar remains out as he continues his recovery journey, while Yasser Al Shahrani and Salem Al Dawsari remain sidelined as they nurse cruciate ligament and muscle injuries, respectively.
Al Hilal will also be without Aleksandar Mitrovic for a second straight game, with the Serbian striker ruled out for three weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury during their King's Cup clash against Al Ittihad.
The hosts can, however, take comfort in having a reliable option in Leonardo, who struck twice in their last outing and is expected to lead the line once more.
Lodi, who also got on the scoresheet in that win, could retain his starting spot after the club dispelled concerns about an injury scare he picked up during the game.
For the visitors, Sofiane Bendebka, who netted the consolation in last Thursday's defeat, is expected to keep his place in midfield, with the Algerian being a regular starter.
Meanwhile, Al Fateh's top scorer, Djaniny, who has four league goals to his name, started from the bench in their previous match but could be handed a starting role in this one.
Al-Hilal possible starting lineup:
Bono; Cancelo, Koulibaly, Albulayhi, Lodi; Neves, Al-Dawsari; Milinkovic-Savic, Malcom, Al-Qhatani; Leonardo
Al Fateh possible starting lineup:
Szapannos; Baattiah, Daheem, Zarie, Danayer; Bendebka, Masoud; Batna, Zaid, Sbai; Djaniny
We say: Al-Hilal 3-0 Al Fateh
Al Hilal head into this encounter as clear favourites, buoyed by their commanding recent form and superior head-to-head record, making a comfortable win likely for the hosts as they look to retain their position at the summit.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
