Al-Hilalvs.Al Okhdood

The hosts have broken clear of the chasing pack in the league standings, currently 12 points clear at the summit, while the visitors are just two points and a spot above the drop zone.

Match preview

Al-Hilal edged closer to the Saudi Pro League title with a 4-3 victory over Al Shabab on Saturday evening and now need only five wins to reclaim the trophy they surrendered to Al Ittihad last season.

The Blue Waves remain unbeaten after 25 league matches, boasting an incredible record of 23 wins and just two draws, amassing 71 points.

In March, Al-Hilal broke the previous world record for the most consecutive wins (27) by defeating Al Ittihad in the AFC Champions League quarter-final, extending their streak to 28 victories. They are now on a 30-match winning run after defeating Damac and Al Shabab.

Jorge Jesus's side have been utterly dominant in the league this season, scoring the most goals (76) and conceding the fewest (16). They are also the only top-flight team averaging less than a goal conceded per 90 minutes.

The Blue Waves return home for their next match, where they boast a formidable record of 12 wins and one draw in 13 league matches, scoring 37 goals while conceding just six. The solitary draw came in their season opener against Al Fayha back in August.

This will be their second meeting against Tuesday's opponents, with their first-ever encounter which came earlier this season ending in a 3-0 victory for Jesus's men.

Meanwhile, newly promoted Al Okhdood head into gameweek 26 just two points clear of the relegation zone.

After a positive start following his appointment in November, Martin Sevela appeared to have turned the club's fortunes around. However, one win in six matches since the league resumed in February, with no wins in their last five, leaves them precariously placed.

A hard-fought 3-2 victory against Al Ahli after the break was followed by three straight defeats to Al Taawoun, Al Riyadh, and Al Ittihad. A comeback draw against Al Khaleej offered a glimmer of hope, but a 3-1 defeat to Al-Raed last time out extinguished it.

The Najran-based club have failed to win any of their last seven away games in the top flight (W0 D2 L5) and will need to pull off the biggest upset of the season against Al-Hilal if they want to halt this winless run.

With nine games remaining, Sevela will be desperate for his side to improve their results on the road, where they have only managed nine points from a possible 36.

Al-Hilal Saudi Pro League form:

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Al-Hilal form (all competitions):

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Al Okhdood Saudi Pro League form:

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Team News

Al-Hilal have just a single confirmed absentee for this match in Neymar, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a cruciate ligament tear.

Aleksandar Mitrovic returned from the international break to bag two goals against Al Shabab, taking his tally to 22 goals for the season and should almost certainly lead the line in this one.

Brazilian Michael and Salem Al-Dawsari should keep their place on the wings while Malcom takes the attacking midfield role.

Real Betis loanee Alex Collado has scored two goals in the last three matches for Al Okhdood and should retain his place behind centre-forward Leandre Tawamba, alongside Saviour Godwin and Florin Tanase.

Sebastian Pedroza and Eid Al-Muwallad are the two players expected to play in midfield, protecting the defense and launching attacks.

Al-Hilal possible starting lineup:

Bounou; Al-Shahrani, Koulibaly, Al Bulaihi, Al-Shahrani; Milinkovic-Savic, Neves; Michael, Malcolm, Al-Dawsari, Mitrovic

Al Okhdood possible starting lineup:

Moreira; Al Jayzani, Loum, Gonzalez, Al Rajeh, Al Dossary; Fouzair, Al Beshe, Al Subaie; Tavares, El Berkaoui

We say: Al-Hilal 3-0 Al Okhdood

Al-Hilal are massive favourites heading into this match and we feel they will claim yet another straightforward victory. Al Okhdood are struggling right now and need points to survive but sadly for them they are facing an invincible opponent.

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