Al Hilal’s Strong Start: Al Hilal has kicked off the new season in style, showcasing their dominance with a resounding 4-0 victory over Al Raed. Under the guidance of Jorge Jesus, the team has remained unbeaten in the first three rounds, netting an impressive 8 goals while conceding just twice. With 7 points to their name, the Blue Waves have secured the 3rd spot in the Saudi Pro League standings, trailing only Al Ittihad and Al Ahli SC by a mere 2 points.
Tactical Analysis: Leading up to their encounter with Al Ittihad, Al Hilal aims to establish their dominance by creating a commanding presence against Al Ettifaq. The team has a remarkable track record under Jorge Jesus, having triumphed in 13 out of their last 14 encounters. Al Ettifaq, on the other hand, has struggled against Al Hilal, suffering defeats in all of their recent 5 matches at their home ground.
Al Ettifaq’s Resilience: Al Ettifaq has enjoyed a positive start to the Saudi Arabian Pro League, clinching two consecutive victories. However, their momentum hit a roadblock as they settled for a 1-1 draw against Al Khaleej at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium. The team, managed by Steven Gerrard, has faced challenges on the road, with 3 out of 5 recent away matches ending in draws or losses.
Expert Predictions: With the given dynamics, the prediction leans in favor of Al Hilal. Their track record against Al Ettifaq and their current form make them the likely victors in this matchup. In the first half, Al Hilal has shown a consistent ability to take the lead, while Al Ettifaq’s goal-scoring prowess tends to wane before halftime. Therefore, it’s a reasonable bet that Al Hilal will lead at halftime.
Additionally, considering the historical trend of matches involving Al Hilal, the likelihood of seeing more than 3 goals is high. Their recent encounters with Al Ettifaq have often produced a minimum of 3 goals, making it a safe prediction for this match.
Predicted Lineups: Al Hilal:
- Bono; Al Shahrani, Al Bulayhi, Jahfali, Abdulhamid; Neves, Kanno; Al Dawsari, Malcolm, Michael; Mitrovic
Al Ettifaq:
- Victor; Al Hawsawi, Tisserand, Hendry, Khateeb; Henderson, Ozdemir, Hazzazi; Quaison, Dembele, Vitinho
As the anticipation builds for Neymar’s potential return to the pitch, Al Hilal and Al Ettifaq gear up for a clash that promises excitement and strategic maneuvers. With a strong start and a historical advantage, Al Hilal aims to maintain their winning streak, while Al Ettifaq seeks to prove their resilience and upset the odds. This match is set to be a pivotal moment in the Saudi Pro League, and fans can expect an intense and thrilling encounter.
