Al-Hilal vs Damac – News and Probable Lineups

Al-Hilal aims to maintain the pressure on the Saudi Pro League leaders, Al Nassr, by welcoming Damac FC at the Kingdom Arena on Tuesday evening.

The Blue Waves currently occupy second place in the standings and remain undefeated in the league this season, while the guests arrive in Riyadh eager to secure their position in the top flight as the season approaches its conclusion.

Match overview

Simone Inzaghi’s side has emerged as a dominant force in the Saudi Pro League this season, going unbeaten through 28 league matches with an impressive record of 20 wins and eight draws, accumulating 68 points to sit in second place.

The eight-point gap to Al Nassr at the top suggests the title race is still mathematically possible; however, Al-Hilal understands that failing to secure a win on Tuesday would severely impact their chances of catching the leaders with the clock ticking.

Their offensive display has also been noteworthy, as they have netted 75 goals, which is the second-highest in the league while conceding only 25, showcasing a squad that can challenge any opponent in the league on their day.

At the Kingdom Arena, Al-Hilal has proven to be particularly formidable, with 11 wins and four draws from their home games, and the Blue Waves will be eager to return to winning ways in front of their supporters after a challenging week in international competition.

This setback occurred in the AFC Champions League round of 16, where Al-Hilal faced elimination by Al Sadd after a 3-3 stalemate in regulation, eventually succumbing to defeat on penalties – a result that would have hurt a squad with significant ambitions across multiple competitions.

Damac FC, on the other hand, arrives at the Kingdom Arena in a noticeably more precarious situation, positioned 15th in the Saudi Pro League table with only 26 points from five wins, 11 draws, and 13 losses – just three points above the relegation zone.

Fabio Carille’s team has a goal difference of -19, having scored 27 goals and conceded 46, and their away form, with just two wins from 14 matches, emphasizes how challenging Tuesday’s fixture is expected to be.

However, there are signs of progress from the visitors, who have captured three victories in their last five games, including a 2-0 win over Al Akhdoud in their most recent match – a result that could instill some confidence ahead of the trip to Riyadh.

Al-Hilal boasts a strong head-to-head record against Damac, having remained unbeaten in their last nine encounters, with three wins and two draws from the last five matchups, while Damac has yet to secure a victory in that span.

The quality disparity between these teams is notable, and although Damac’s recent form offers a sliver of hope, the task of obtaining any points at the Kingdom Arena against an unbeaten Al-Hilal side presents a monumental challenge.

Team News

Al-Hilal will miss Hamad Al Yami, who is out due to a kneecap injury, and Yusuf Akcicek has been unavailable since January.

Nasser Al Dawsari is considered a doubt with a toe injury, while Karim Benzema also faces uncertainty regarding his participation.

Kalidou Koulibaly is still recovering and is not expected back just yet, while Saimon Bouabre remains sidelined with a hamstring issue, and Murad Al Hawsawi is questionable due to a knee problem.

Damac, however, arrives with no injury concerns, providing Carille a complete squad to choose from ahead of their journey to Riyadh.

Kewin is anticipated to continue in goal following a clean sheet against Al Akhdoud in their latest outing, with Jamal Harkass and Abdelkader Bedrane likely taking their positions as the central defensive partnership.

Valentin Vada and Tariq Abdu are set to operate in midfield, while Arielson and Yakou Meite are expected to spearhead the attack for the visitors.

Al-Hilal probable starting XI:

Bono; Al-Harbi, Tambakti, Alawjami, Hernandez; Milinkovic-Savic, Cannon, Neves, Al-Dawsari; Malcolm, Benzema

Damac probable starting XI:

Kevin; Al Obaid, Bedrane, Harkass, Hausawi; Okita, Abdu, Vada, Sylla; Arielson, Maite

With Al-Hilal’s unbeaten league run, superior quality, and home advantage, they are regarded as heavy favorites in this matchup, and a comfortable win appears to be the likely outcome.

Damac’s defensive vulnerabilities during away matches should be exploited by an attack of this caliber, and the Blue Waves should find little trouble in securing a return to winning form.