Match Preview: Al Ettifaq vs Al-Hilal – Saudi Pro League Clash Preview, Predictions, Team News, and Lineups
The Saudi Pro League action continues as Al Ettifaq prepares to face Al-Hilal in a crucial match at the Al Ettifaq Club Stadium on Monday. Al Ettifaq, currently in eighth place, will aim to build on their recent win after a tough spell leading up to the break. Manager Steven Gerrard’s side secured a 2-0 victory in their last game, with new captain Gini Wijnaldum making an impact alongside Demarai Gray. The Knights of Ad-Dahna will hope to carry this momentum forward as they face the formidable Al Hilal.
On the other hand, Al Hilal has been in sensational form this season, remaining unbeaten in the league with 18 wins and two draws in 20 games. The Blue Waves have been dominant in attack, scoring 62 goals, while their solid defense has only conceded 10 goals so far. With a streak of 23 consecutive wins, including a recent 3-1 victory over Al Raed, Jorge Jesus’s side will be a tough opponent for Al Ettifaq.
In terms of team news, Al Ettifaq has no injury concerns and could field the same lineup that secured the win last week. Moussa Dembele, Demarai Gray, and Karl Toko Ekambi are expected to lead the attack. Meanwhile, Al Hilal will be without Neymar, Mohammed Al Owais, and Muteb Al Mufarrij due to injuries, but key players like Kalidou Koulibaly and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic should return to the starting lineup.
In a possible lineup scenario, Al Ettifaq could start with Victor in goal, a defensive line of Yousef, Hendry, Madu, and Al Shamrani, a midfield trio of Dawran, Medran, Wijnaldum, and a front three of Ekambi, Dembele, and Gray. Al Hilal, on the other hand, may deploy Bounou in goal, with Al-Beerik, Koulibaly, Al Bulaihi, and Lodi in defense, midfielders Milinkovic-Savic, Neves, Michael, Malcolm, and Al-Dawsari, and striker Mitrovic leading the attack.
In prediction, Al Hilal is favored to continue their winning streak with a 2-0 victory over Al Ettifaq. The visitors’ strong form and impressive record make them the team to beat in this matchup, while Al Ettifaq will face a tough challenge despite their recent win.
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