Al Hilal vs Al-Faisaly Preview – prediction, team news, lineups | Saudi Pro League 2026-27

This will be the opening game of the 2026-27 season for both teams.

The 2026-27 season of the Saudi Pro League is about to begin and will feature an interesting clash between Al Hilal and Al-Faisaly on the opening matchday. The match will be played at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.

Al Hilal lost the league title to Al Nassr on the final matchday of last season. They have finished second in the last two consecutive seasons and will look to bounce back and reclaim the Saudi Pro League title for the first time since 2024. We have seen a lot of movement from Al-Za’eem during the transfer window, with Crysencio Summerville being their statement signing ahead of the new campaign.

Al Faisaly, on the other hand, were playing in the second division of the Saudi Pro League and finished second to earn a promotion to the top division. Facing one of the biggest clubs in Asia will be a difficult task for Giovanni Solinas’s side. Al Faisaly are coming into this game on the back of a stellar run during the tail end of last season, as their last defeat came all the way back in January against Al-Zulfi.

Back home, back for a new season 🏟️💙See you there Leaders 🔜 pic.twitter.com/nPN2PNKGzD

— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) August 12, 2026

Kickoff:

• Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Stadium: Kingdom Arena
• Date and Kickoff time: August 14 – 11:30 pm IST, 06:00 pm GMT, 01:00 pm ET, 10:00 am PT
• Referee: Not decided
• VAR: In Use

Form:

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

Al Faisaly (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-W

Players to watch out for:

Karim Benzema (Al Hilal)

The French striker is one of the greatest strikers of the 21st century. Benzema has been remarkable ever since he arrived in the Saudi Pro League. He made a high-profile move from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal last season and has established himself as one of the best players of the Blues already. His movement off the ball is very clever, and he also links up well with his teammates to create chances for his team.

Luvannor Henrique (Al Faisaly)

The Moldovan striker is a veteran and completed the last season on a very strong note. He has scored four goals and an assist in his last five appearances. He is an Anchor in the front line as he occupies the opposition defenders and operates as a goal poacher. He also brilliantly positions himself in the box to be at the end of the chances that his teammates create.

Match Facts:

• Al Hilal played a 3-3 draw against Al Ahli Doha in their last game.
• Al Faisaly won 3-1 against Beltinci in their last game.
• The last game between these two teams ended in a 2-1 win for Al Hilal.

Al Hilal vs Al Faisaly: Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: Al Hilal to win – 1.63 by Dafabet
• Tip 2: Both Teams to score – 1.72 by 1XBET
• Tip 3: Expected Goals – Over 3.5 – 1.85 by Stake

Injury and Team News:

Hamad Al-Yami, Salem Al-Dawsari and Hassan Tambakti will be unavailable for the home side.

Al Faisaly, on the other hand, will be without the likes of Ibrahima Ndiaye, Jaber Issa and Mohammed Al-Shanqiti.

Head-to-head:

Total matches: 32

Al Hilal won: 25

Al Faisaly won: 0

Draws: 7

Predicted Lineups:

Al Hilal (3-5-2)

Bono(GK); Neves, Koulibaly, Al-Harbi; Mandash, Milinković-Savic, Kanno, Al-Dawsari, Hernández; Summerville, Benzema

Al-Faisaly (4-4-2)

Al Hasawi(GK); Barnawi, Silva, Girotto, Doshi; Oqil, Seoane; Bassogog, Hamza, Al Solan; Henrique

Match Prediction:

Al Faisaly concluded the last season in excellent form and have showcased their quality during the preseason friendlies as well. However, Al Hilal are the favourites to clinch the win against them.

Prediction: Al Hilal 3-1 Al Faisaly

Telecast details:

India: Fancode

UK: DAZN

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv

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