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

Matchday 9 of the Saudi Pro League is underway

As the Saudi Pro League unfolds its thrilling narrative, fans are gearing up for another exciting clash that promises to be a game-changer. On Saturday, Al Akhdoud, a newcomer to the Saudi top flight, are set to face the high-flying giants, Al Hilal, at the Prince Hathloul bin Abdul Aziz Sports City Stadium. In this eagerly anticipated match, the stage is set for a showdown between a struggling underdog and an undefeated powerhouse.

Al Hilal, a football club with a rich history and a legacy of success, has started the 2023-24 season in resounding fashion. With six wins and two draws from their first eight games, they currently sit proudly at the top of the league table, boasting a remarkable 20 points.

Their journey this season has been marked by an impressive unbeaten streak, making them the only team in the competition yet to taste defeat. Their consistency and dominance on the field have been truly commendable.

Recent performances have only added to their reputation. In their last three games across various competitions, Al Hilal emerged victorious each time. They secured wins against Al Jabalain and Nassaji Mazandaran in the King Cup of Champions and the AFC Champions League, respectively. Sandwiched between these victories was a convincing 2-0 triumph over Al-Shabab in the league, further underlining their prowess.

On the other side of the pitch, we have Al Akhdoud, a team experiencing their inaugural season in the Saudi Pro League. Their journey in the top-flight league has been far from smooth, as they've struggled to find their footing.

Al Akhdoud have managed to collect only seven points from their first eight games, highlighting the challenges they've faced in adapting to the competitive environment of the Saudi Pro League. However, they did provide a glimmer of hope for their fans with a late 2-1 victory over Al-Raed in their most recent match. Andrei Burca's penalty in the 83rd minute secured the win and lifted Al Akhdoud to 13th place in the league standings.

Kick-Off:

Saturday, October 7, 2023, 08:30 PM (IST) Prince Hathloul Bin Abdul Aziz Sport City Stadium.

Form

Al Akhdoud: L L W L L W

Inter Miami: W W D D W W

Players to Watch

Florin Tanase (Al-Akhdoud)

In 2023, the Romanian midfielder signed with a Saudi Pro League team. His presence in the center is crucial, and he has already scored two goals. Tanase contributed to both the second and third goals, the latter of which was the game's winning tally. When playing some of the top players on the other team, the 28-year-old must perform at his peak level.

Neymar (Al-Hilal)

After relocating to Saudi Arabia, the former star of Paris Saint-Germain experienced a goalless streak in which he failed to score in four straight games, including three Saudi Pro League contests. Neymar nevertheless appeared in excellent form during his team's convincing 3-0 triumph, which also featured goals from former Fulham players Aleksandar Mitrovic and Saleh Alshehri.

Match facts

• Al Akhdoud and Al Hilal will encounter for the first time ever in this battle.
• For the first time in their existence, Al Akhdoud are participating in the Saudi Pro League.
• Al Akhdoud have only won two league games entire season, both of which came in their last four games (and both of which were played away from home).
• Al Akhdoud have dropped each of their four league home games thus far this year.
• In their eight league games so far this year, Al Hilal have not lost.Al Hilal have drawn one of their four league away games this year (1-1 vs. Damac on September 21, 2023) while winning three of those games. In their most recent three matches across all leagues, Al Hilal has kept a clean sheet.

Team news and Injury

Pedroza, a gifted playmaker, is now the lone injured player of note. Despite being in concussion protocol, he could be released before the weekend.

Centre-back On Tuesday, Koulibaly returned from injury, and he ought to start right away. Milinkovic-Savic's ailment is the only significant one to worry about. He practiced this week and was excluded from the midweek encounter primarily because of the limitations on the number of foreign players who may be utilized in the Champions League. However, even he might be available.

Head-to-Head

This will be the first meeting between the two sides.

Predicted Lineup for Al Akhdoud vs Al Hilal

Al Akhdoud Predicted Lineup:

Paulo Vítor; Mansour, Burca, Alyami, Kvirkvelia, Zabdani, Harthi, Tanase, Al Muwallad, Collado, Tawamba

Al Hilal Predicted Lineup:

Bono; Abdulhamid, Koulibaly, Al Bulaihi, Al-Shahrani; Neves, Milinkovic-Savic; Malcom, Neymar, Al-Dawsari; Mitrovic

Match Prediction for Al Akhdoud vs Al Hilal

Considering the current form and track record of both teams, it's clear that Al Hilal enters this match as the favorite. They have emerged as early contenders for the league title, and their unbeaten streak speaks volumes about their quality.

The prediction for the match leans heavily in favor of Al Hilal. With their impressive form and a desire to continue their winning streak, they are expected to secure a victory.

Prediction: Al Akhdoud 0-2 Al Hilal

As we eagerly await the clash between Al Akhdoud and Al Hilal, one thing is certain: football fans are in for a treat. The Saudi Pro League continues to deliver thrilling encounters, and this match promises to be no exception.

Al Hilal's quest to maintain their unbeaten streak and solidify their position at the top of the league table adds a layer of intrigue, while Al Akhdoud's determination to prove themselves as a worthy competitor will make for compelling viewing. Top of Form

Telecast

India – Sony Sports Network

UK– DAZN, Shahid

US – ESPN, Shahid

Nigeria – No Telecast, Shahid