Al-Hilal vs. Al-Najma – News and Probable Lineups

On Friday evening, Al-Hilal SFC will host Al-Najma at Kingdom Arena for Matchday 25 of the Saudi Pro League, as the home side aims to uphold their challenge in the title race.

The Blue Waves occupy third place in the league standings, remaining unbeaten in domestic competition, while the newly-promoted guests sit at the bottom of the table in a desperate battle against relegation.

Match overview

Al-Hilal continues to assert their status in the championship race, accumulating 58 points from 24 games to hold third position in the Saudi Pro League.

The Blue Waves boast an impressive tally of 17 wins alongside seven draws, remaining untouched in this season, while netting 62 goals and conceding merely 23 – an outcome that underscores their prowess defensively and offensively.

Their home form is particularly dominant, achieving nine victories and three draws in 12 league matches at Kingdom Arena, highlighting why they are seen as one of the toughest opponents on their own turf.

Heading into this matchup, Simone Inzaghi’s squad is in fine form, having tallied three wins and two draws in their last five games across various competitions.

In their latest league encounter, they celebrated a thrilling 5-3 triumph over Al-Shabab, a result that showcased their offensive capabilities and capacity to unsettle their rivals.

With a midfield characterized by control and creativity, paired with potent width and precise finishing in advanced territories, the Blue Waves are well-equipped to exploit weaknesses in teams with defensive issues.

Meanwhile, Al-Najma has had a challenging return to top-tier football post-promotion, currently sitting in 18th place with just eight points from 24 fixtures.

The visitors have managed only one victory throughout the season, with five draws and 18 defeats, having conceded 54 goals while only scoring 22 – numbers that reflect their defensive fragility.

Their away performance also tells a disheartening story, with zero wins on the road, two draws and 10 losses marking their difficulties away from home.

Recent displays bring little optimism, as they have suffered four losses in their last five matches, including a 3-1 defeat at home to Al-Akhdoud in their latest game.

Under the management of Nestor El Maestro, consistency has been hard to come by, and their failure to secure a clean sheet in their last eight encounters has deepened their troubles.

Al-Hilal has historically been the dominant force in clashes like this, including a 4-2 win in the earlier meeting this season.

However, it’s notable that prior to this season, their last league matches dated back to the early 2000s.

Life in the Saudi Pro League has proven to be challenging for Al-Najma, and facing one of the league’s leading teams represents another significant test.

Team News

Al-Hilal is facing several injury issues ahead of this match, with Saimon Bouabre ruled out due to a shoulder injury.

Yusuf Akcicek remains a doubt as he progresses in recovery from a hamstring issue.

Mohammed Al-Yami is uncertain with a muscle problem, and Karim Benzema is also expected to be unavailable due to injury.

Hassan Tambakti continues to miss matches due to a hamstring injury and is not anticipated back until mid-March, while Hamad Al-Yami is unavailable with a knee injury.

Nonetheless, Malcom is likely to feature in the attack, with Marcos Leonardo also expected to lead the front line, supported by Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in an advanced midfield role.

Conversely, Al-Najma has relatively fewer injury concerns, with Mohammed Al-Kunaydiri being their sole confirmed absentee as he continues rehabilitation from a cruciate ligament injury incurred in October.

Defensively, Nasser Al-Haleel, Abdullah Al-Hawsawi, Samir Caetano, and Khalid Al-Subaie are all set to maintain their positions as the visitors seek to strengthen their defense.

Al-Hilal probable starting XI:

They bounce; Hernandez, Koulibaly, Alawjami, Al-Harbi; Neves, Kanno, Milinkovic-Savic; Mandash, Leonardo, Malcom

Al Najma probable starting XI:

Panties; Al-Subaii, Samir, Al-Haleel, Al-Hawsawi; Tijanic, Guga, Emad; Boutobba, Lazarus, Thistle

Given the considerable disparity in quality, form, and confidence between the two teams, a straightforward win for the home side seems likely.

Al-Hilal’s attacking depth and unbeaten record at home should prove too much for an Al-Najma side that has consistently struggled defensively throughout the season.