Al Ain vs Al-Hilal Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds

The hosts had eliminated the Blue Waves from the competition last season.

The AFC Champions League Elite is back and will feature the defending champions, Al Ain taking on Al-Hilal on Matchday 3. Managed by the legendary Argentine striker Hernán Crespo, Al Ain clinched their second-ever AFC Champions League title in 2024. However, in the 2024/25 season, they are yet to register a win in the competition.

The club are currently sixth in their domestic league and are down to 10th spot in their AFC Champions League group B. They have yet to hit their full stride and now could be the perfect time for them to do it.

Al Hilal, on the other hand, are arguably the best team in Asia right now. They have two wins in their opening two matches in the Intercontinental competition. Al-Za’eem have scored eight goals in the tournament so far and have conceded only one.

They are emerging as huge favourites to win the competition this season and extend their record as the team with the most AFC Champions League titles. When these two teams face off on Monday, you can expect a very intense game with many goals and exciting moments. We will see two of the best in Asia go up against each other, and that makes this an unmissable game.

KickOff:

Monday, October 21, 2024 at 9:30 PM IST

Venue: Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium

Form:

Al Ain (in all competitions): W-L-L-W-W

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

Players to watch out for:

Alejandro Romero (Al Ain)

The Paraguayan winger has been incredible for Al Ain this season. In eight games, the 29-year-old has 11 direct goal involvements for his club. His ability to advance the build-up play and find the precise final pass makes him one of the best assets of his team. This will be a must-win game for Al Ain and all eyes will be on Alejandro to deliver for his team.

Aleksandar Mitrovic (Al-Hilal)

The Serbian striker is in the form of his life right now. He has more goals scored than games played this season. The 30-year-old has found the back of the net on 14 occasions already and is one of the key reasons behind Al Hilal’s recent success.

AFC Champions League Elite is the only trophy left for him to win with his current club. He will be very motivated to change that this season.

Match Facts:

• Al Ain knocked out Al-Hilal from the AFC Champions League last season.
• Al Ain won 4-0 against Hatta in their last game.
• Al-Hilal won 3-0 against Al Feiha in their last game.

Al Ain vs Al-Hilal: Betting tips and odds

• Tip1: Al-Hilal to win – 1.65 by Stake
• Tip2: Both teams to score – 1.89 by Dafabet
• Tip3: Expected Goals – over 3 – 1.96 by Stake

Injury and Team news:

Al Ain have their full squad available for selection.

Al Hilal on the other hand are still missing their superstar, Neymar Jr who got an ACL injury last year.

Head to Head:

Total matches: 16

Al Ain won: 5

Al Hilal won: 9

Draws: 2

Predicted Lineup:

Al Ain (4-2-3-1)

Eisa (GK); Erik, Autonne, Cardoso, Al-Ahbabi; Park, Traoré; Sanabria, Palacios, Romero; Rahimi

Al-Hilal (4-2-3-1)

Bono (GK); Lodi, Al Bulaihi, Koulibaly, Al-Shahrani; Milinković-Savić, Neves; Al-Dawsari, Malcom, Cancelo; Mitrovic

Match Prediction:

This is going to be a very close encounter with two of the best Asian teams going up against each other in an important AFC Champions League game. Al Hilal can be considered slight favourites due to their current run of form. They are very committed to winning this competition for the first time since 2021. Our Match Prediction for this one is –

Prediction: Al Ain 1-3 Al Hilal

Telecast for ⁠Al Ain vs Al-Hilal

India – FanCode

UK – TBD

US – Paramount+

Saudi Arabia – bein SPORTS CONNECT, TOD

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