Al Fateh vs Al-Hilal – News and Probable Lineups

Al-Fateh, currently mid-table, will take on Al-Hilal on Saturday evening during Matchday 26 of the Saudi Pro League at the Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium.

Although Al-Fateh has faced challenges with consistency in their recent fixtures, the visiting Blue Waves are firmly in contention for the title and aim to maintain their unbeaten league streak.

Match overview

Al-Fateh has had a tough run lately, securing only one win in their last 11 matches and has not managed to keep a clean sheet in their last 12 games.

Starting the season positively, the Sons of the Palm currently find themselves in 11th place with seven wins, seven draws, and 11 losses, as they search for steadiness as the season progresses.

Their home performances have been inconsistent, achieving five wins, three draws, and five defeats at the Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium for a total of 18 points on home ground.

Jose Gomes’s squad comes into this match after a narrow 3-2 loss to Al-Taawoun, and Gomes will be hoping for a strong rebound against a title-contending side.

A tenth-place finish last season indicates the possibility of another mid-table result, with consistency being their greatest hurdle.

Al-Fateh has scored eight goals in their last five matches, showing a consistent scoring ability, having found the net in all but one of their last eight games, which was a goalless match against Al-Nassr.

On the other hand, Al-Hilal remain the only team without a loss in the Saudi Pro League this season, showcasing an impressive record of 18 wins and seven draws across 25 matches.

Though the Blue Waves have drawn two of their last five league fixtures, they have otherwise shown strong form with three victories within that timeframe.

Simone Inzaghi’s team has also proven to be formidable away from home, earning 28 points on their travels and scoring an impressive 36 goals—the highest away tally in the league.

Their latest match concluded with a dominant 4-0 win against Al-Najma, featuring two goals from Karim Benzema, as well as contributions from Malcom and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Currently positioned third in the league and three points adrift of leaders Al-Nassr, the Blue Waves view this match as a crucial chance to stay competitive in the title race.

Aiming to complete a league double over Al-Fateh after a 2-1 victory in the earlier encounter last November, the Blue Waves scored through Darwin Nunez and Ruben Neves after previously trailing.

Recent clashes favor Al-Hilal, who have emerged victorious in their last seven encounters with Al-Fateh, boosting their confidence for this upcoming contest.

Team News

Al-Fateh faces no significant injury issues ahead of this fixture and might see Matias Vargas return to the starting lineup after missing the last match.

Mourad Batna has emerged as a key attacking player this season, netting eight times, including four goals in his last three games.

In the midfield, Marwane Saadane and Zaydou Youssouf are expected to join Sofiane Bendebka, who will offer support to the attacking players.

Al-Hilal may be without Ruben Neves, whose participation is uncertain due to a hamstring problem and may be ruled out if he is not fit to play in time.

Nasser Al-Dawsari is anticipated to remain out with a toe injury until late March, while Hamad Al-Yami is unavailable due to a knee injury.

Hassan Al-Tambakti has returned to training after overcoming a hamstring issue and may be included in the matchday squad.

The Blue Waves will also miss Yusuf Akcicek, sidelined since January with a muscle injury, and he is not expected back until early May.

Al Fateh probable starting XI:

Pacheco; Baattiah, Aljari, Fernandes, Al-Swealem; Saadane, Youssouf; Batna, Bendebka, Al-Aboud; Vargas

Al-Hilal probable starting XI:

Bounou; Al-Harbi, Koulibaly, Al-Tambakti, Hernandez; Milinkovic-Savic, Hawthorne, Kanno; Malcom, Benzema, Salem Al-Dawsari

While Al-Fateh has displayed flashes of attacking prowess lately, their defensive frailties and recent struggles present a significant challenge against one of the league’s most stable teams.

With Al-Hilal’s offensive strengths and notable away record, they are favored to extend their unbeaten run with another win.