Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | Saudi Pro League 2025-26
Simone Inzaghi’s Al-Hilal Face Al-Nassr in High-Stakes Riyadh Derby!
Simone Inzaghi’s unbeaten Al-Hilal side welcome their fiercest rivals to the Kingdom Arena this Monday, January 12. This high-stakes Riyadh derby could decisively shape the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title race.
The league leaders currently hold a commanding four-point cushion at the summit. A home victory would extend their advantage to a formidable seven points. This would effectively crush Al-Nassr’s championship aspirations.
On the flip side, the visitors arrive seeking redemption. Consecutive defeats to Al-Qadsiah and Al-Ahli recently derailed their momentum. Jorge Jesus demands an immediate response from his squad. However, he must find a way to win without Sadio Mané. The forward is currently away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Kingsley Coman insists the team still believes they can win. Meanwhile, the pressure rests heavily on Cristiano Ronaldo to spark a turnaround against a relentless opponent. Ronaldo netted his first goal of 2026 just last week.
Al-Hilal come into this game full of confidence after cruising to a 3-0 win over Al-Hazem. In contrast, Al-Nassr’s shaky defence has cost them dearly in recent weeks.
That makes Monday’s showdown a massive turning point. The hosts can effectively wrap one hand around the trophy with a win. The visitors, meanwhile, are fighting just to keep their fading title hopes alive.
Kick-off:
- Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Stadium: Kingdom Arena
- Date: January 12, 2026, Monday
- Time: 11 PM IST
- Referee: TBD
- VAR: Officials will use VAR
Form:
- Al-Hilal: W-W-W-W-W
- Al-Nassr: L-L-D-W-W
Players to watch out for:
Marcos Leonardo (Al-Hilal)
Marcos Leonardo is leading Al-Hilal’s attack with incredible clinical finishing. He has already netted seven goals in just 10 games. This record means defenders cannot afford to lose track of him for a second. Leonardo’s movement inside the box creates the space Al-Hilal need to turn possession into goals. He is great at sniffing out and punishing any mistakes the opposition makes.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)
Cristiano Ronaldo is still the man to beat in the scoring charts for Al-Nassr. He is averaging over a goal a game right now, with 14 strikes in 13 matches. This incredible form is the engine behind his team’s entire attack. The Portuguese legend consistently finds the back of the net to keep their title hopes breathing, even when the rest of the team struggles to perform.
Match Facts:
- Al-Hilal start this Riyadh Derby with a vital four-point lead at the top. A home win would push that lead to seven points. If that happens, Al-Nassr will have to hope other teams do them a favour just to stay in the race.
- Cristiano Ronaldo is in red-hot form for the visitors with 14 goals in 13 games. He is a constant threat that the hosts have to shut down if they want to keep their unbeaten run going.
- While the visitors lean heavily on their captain, Al-Hilal share the scoring load across the team. Even so, Marcos Leonardo is still their biggest threat with seven league goals this season.
Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr Betting Tips and Odds:
- Al-Hilal to win: 1.65 (1xBet)
- Both teams to score – Yes: 1.30 (Winmatch)
- Total Goals over 2.5: 1.42 (1Win)
Injuries and Team News:
Al-Hilal:
Al-Hilal have a full-strength squad to choose from.
Al-Nassr:
Mohamed Simakan is out with a hamstring injury. Abdulmalik Al-Jaber is also sidelined. To make matters worse, Saad Haqawi is in doubt due to some physical knocks. He joins Sami Al-Najei on the list of players who might miss out.
Head-to-Head stats:
- Total matches: 179
- Al-Hilal won: 72
- Al-Nassr won: 61
- Draws: 45
Predicted Starting Lineups:
Al-Hilal (4-3-3):
Mohammed Al Yami; Hamad Al Yami, Hassan Al Tambakti, Akçiçek, Nasser Al Dawsari; Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Rúben Neves, Mohamed Kanno; Malcom, Marcos Leonardo, Salem Al Dawsari.
Al-Nassr (4-4-1-1):
N. Alaqidi; S. Al Ghanam, A. Alamri, I. Martínez, A. Yahya; Ângelo Gabriel, M. Brozović, A. Al-Khaibari, K. Coman; J. Félix; C. Ronaldo.
Match Prediction:
Al-Hilal will likely edge this one for a 2-1 victory. Their solid form at home is the complete opposite of Al-Nassr’s recent defensive collapses. Cristiano Ronaldo will always be a threat, but the league leaders are too disciplined to buckle under the pressure. Expect them to wait for Al-Nassr to make a mistake and then punish them to tighten their grip on the title.
Prediction: Al-Hilal 2-1 Al-Nassr
Telecast Details
India: Fancode
UK: DAZN UK
USA: fubo TV, FOX Deportes
Nigeria: Star Times App, Sporty TV
Where is the Riyadh derby taking place?
The match will be held at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Who are the top scorers to watch in this match?
Cristiano Ronaldo (14 goals) and Marcos Leonardo (7 goals) are the key attacking threats.
Is Sadio Mané available for Al-Nassr?
No, he is currently away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
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