Damac vs Al Hilal: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The Knight of the South to host the only side still unbeaten in the Saudi Pro League

A big big task at hand for Damac FC who are battling in the relegation zone. After six matchdays of the 2023-24 Saudi Pro League, The Knight of the South are winless. They have been able to put just 3 points on the table after being able to pull off three draws against Al-Riyadh, Al-Shabab and Al Fateh. Now manager Cosmin Contra will have to work a way around to face the current best team in Saudi, Al Hilal.

Al Hilal are going into this game hosting an AFC Champions League group stage opener against Navbahor. The away side from Uzbekistan Super League had scored the opening goal however a late goal from the home team levelled the game to end in a draw. Al Hilal now will shift back their focus to an away fixture in the Saudi Pro League as they travel to face Damac.

Kick-Off:

Thursday, 21 September at 4:00 PM UK (8:30 PM IST)

Location: Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium

Form

Damac (in all competitions): L-L-D-D-D

Al Hilal (in all competitions): D-W-W-W-W

Players to watch

Assan Ceesay (Damac)

After spending a year in the Serie A with US Lecce, Assan Ceesay was recruited by Damac in the summer transfer window. The left-footed striker has been a pleasant signing for the side who however haven't been much appealing in the league. In five appearances in the Saudi Pro League, the Gambian international has netted three goals.

Neymar (Al Hilal)

Neymar finally made his much-awaited Saudi Pro League debut in the last league game. It ended with a 6-1 thrashing of Al-Riyadh. Although Neymar is yet to find a net he was able to provide two assists in that game. The former Paris Saint-Germain star is obviously the one to watch when Al Hilal travels away to face Damac on Thursday.

Match facts

• The home side are still winless after six matchdays
• The away side is the only unbeaten team in the Saudi Pro League
• Al Hilal are top of the league while Damac is in the relegation zone

Injury & team news

Right back Noor Al-Rashidi is suspended from this game after receiving a red card in the last outing against Al-Wehda. Damac FC have a tough task to win against Al Hilal. The home side manager Cosmin Contra will rely on players such as Assan Ceesay and Georges-Kevin Nkoudou to link up and do the damage. Both players have scored five goals combined. Both are expected to start up front.

Al Hilal's manager Jorge Jesus has to deal without Abdulelah Al-Malki. His return is still unsure because of his ongoing recovery from Cruciate Ligament Rupture. Neymar is a sure pick after his brace of assists in his debut. Alongside him, Malcom and former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic will provide the attacking threat for the Blue Waves.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 8

Damac wins – 1

Al Hilal wins – 5

Draws – 2

Predicted Lineup for Damac vs Al Hilal

Damac predicted lineup (3-4-2-1):

Zeghba (GK); Alhwsawi, Chafai, Bedrane; Al-Anazi, Hamed, Antolic, Stanciu; N’Koudou, Al Bishi; Ceesay

Al Hilal predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Bono (GK); Abdulhamid, Koulibaly, Al Bulaihi, Al Shahrani; Milinković-Savić, Neves; Michael, Malcom, Neymar; Mitrovic

Match Prediction for Damac vs Al Hilal

This is a game between two sides at the opposite ends of the table. Damac FC are still not able to find its feet in the Saudi Pro League competition after failing to win even once in six outings. Al Nassr's last league game saw Neymar make his debut. He was able to provide two assists. It will be a very big task for the home team to even get a point against the visitors. The away side's triumph is predicted.

Prediction: Damac 0-5 Al Hilal

Telecast details for Damac vs Al Hilal

India – Sony Sports Network

UK – DAZN, Sky Sports

US –  ESPN

Nigeria – Sporty TV