Damacvs.Al-Hilal

The Blue Waves are level on 46 points with second-placed Al Ittihad but sit atop the standings thanks to a vastly superior goal difference.

Match preview

Al-Hilal will be eager to avoid another setback in the title race after their 2-1 defeat to Al Quadisiya on January 27 ended a five-match winning streak for the reigning Saudi Pro League champions.

However, they responded emphatically with a 4-0 victory over Al Okhdood just days later, with Marcos Leonardo netting a brace in the rout.

Jorge Jesus's side carried that momentum into the AFC Champions League, securing a dominant 4-1 win over Iranian outfit Persepolis to remain top of the league phase after seven matchdays.

Domestically, Al-Hilal will aim to string together another lengthy winning run to pull clear in the title race against Al Ittihad - however, they will be wary heading into Saturday's clash as both of their league defeats this season have come on the road.

Additionally, the Blue Waves' only loss against Damac came in an away fixture in 2021 - although since then, they have visited this ground three times, winning twice and drawing on their most recent trip.

Meanwhile, Damac's form since the turn of the year has been inconsistent, with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five outings.

Nuno Almeida's side kicked off the year with a 2-0 victory over Al Raed on the road but then suffered back-to-back defeats to Al Ettifaq (3-0) and Al Fateh (2-1).

The Knight of the South bounced back in style with a stunning 2-1 home victory against title contenders Al Ittihad before earning a 1-1 draw against Al Khaleej at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium last weekend.

Georges-Kevin Nkoudou put Damac ahead in the 25th minute, but Thomas Murg equalised about 20 minutes later, leaving Damac in 10th place with 22 points, comfortably positioned in mid-table.

After denting Al Ittihad's title hopes, the Knight of the South will be keen to do the same against the reigning champions and current league leaders on Saturday.

However, history favors Al-Hilal, as Damac have won just once in 11 meetings, losing seven times, while the hosts are also winless in their last seven encounters with the Blue Waves, suffering five defeats and managing only two draws.

Damac Saudi Pro League form:

D

W

L

L

W

D

Al-Hilal Saudi Pro League form:

W

W

W

W

L

W

Al-Hilal form (all competitions):

Team News

Damac are dealing with fresh injury concerns, with goalkeeper Abdulbasit Hawsawi and left-back Sanousi Al Hawsawi joining the sidelines.

Egyptian defensive midfielder Tarek Hamed and former wonderkid Adam Maher also remain unavailable for this fixture.

Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus has recently switched to a back-three system due to injuries affecting both left-backs, but he could switch the shape for this one.

Renan Lodi, the former Atletico Madrid defender, and Saudi international Yasser Al Shahrani remain sidelined for Saturday's encounter.

Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has netted 12 league goals, is a doubt for this clash, meaning Leonardo is likely to continue leading the attack.

Damac possible starting lineup:

Nita; Chafai, Bedrane, Al-Khaibari; Solan, Al Subiana, Stanciu, Al Obaid; N'Koudou, Diallo, Kamano

Al-Hilal possible starting lineup:

Bono; Cancelo, Koulibaly, Tambakti, Al Harbi; Neves, Milinkovic-Savic; Kaio, Malcom, Al Dawsari; Leonardo

We say: Damac 1-2 Al-Hilal

Written by

Joshua Cole

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