Al Shabab vs Al-Hilal – News and Probable Lineups

On Friday evening, Al-Shabab will host Al-Hilal at the SHG Arena for a fixture in the Saudi Pro League, with both teams looking to improve their standings in the league.

The White Lions aim to gain momentum after an inconsistent season, while the Blue Waves come in as one of the most reliable teams in the league, remaining a strong contender for the title.

Match overview

Al-Shabab has faced a challenging season and currently sits in 12th place in the Saudi Pro League table, having earned 25 points from 23 games.

The White Lions have achieved six wins, seven draws, and 10 losses, scoring 27 goals while conceding 33, revealing their difficulties in both defence and attack.

Yet, their recent displays hint at potential improvement, having secured three wins and two losses in their last five matches across various competitions.

They approach this match following a 3-1 triumph against Al-Riyadh, a victory that is likely to enhance their confidence as they square off against one of the strongest teams in the division.

Noureddine Zekri’s squad has tended to favour counter-attacking tactics, aiming to capitalize on the gaps left by their opponents, although their lack of defensive strength has frequently been detrimental.

In their last five matches, they have netted nine goals, but defensive errors remain a significant worry, especially since they have conceded the highest number of penalties in the league this season.

At home, Al-Shabab has not converted the SHG Arena into a stronghold, securing four wins, three draws, and four defeats, and they will require a notably better performance to compete with their high-flying opponents.

In contrast, Al-Hilal arrives in significantly better form, currently holding the third position in the table with 55 points and maintaining an unbeaten streak this season.

The Blue Waves have achieved 16 victories and seven draws, scoring 57 goals while conceding only 20, demonstrating their effectiveness at both ends of the pitch.

However, their recent performances indicate a slight decline in momentum, with two wins and three draws in their last five matches, suggesting they have not been at their dominant best recently.

Their latest match ended in a 1-1 draw against Al-Taawoun, a result that may serve as a cautionary note as they seek to stay competitive in the title race.

Simone Inzaghi has developed a well-rounded squad capable of controlling possession while being a constant threat during attacking transitions, marking them as one of the most formidable teams in the league.

Their away form has been particularly notable, with seven wins and four draws on the road, and they will enter this match looking to extend that record against an inconsistent Al-Shabab team.

Recent encounters between the two sides have also favoured Al-Hilal, with the Blue Waves winning four of the last five meetings, while Al-Shabab has not managed a victory in the same span, recording one draw.

Team News

Al-Shabab will be missing Mohammed Harbush, who remains out due to a cruciate ligament injury sustained in December.

The White Lions are anticipated to depend on Abderrazak Hamdallah to spearhead their attack, with Yannick Carrasco providing support from the flanks.

In midfield, Yacine Adli and Vincent Sierro are expected to offer stability, while Josh Brownhill may take on a more advanced role.

Defensively, Wesley Hoedt is likely to anchor the backline, with Marcelo Grohe continuing to guard the goal.

For Al-Hilal, Hamad Al-Yami will be absent due to a kneecap injury sustained in their last match, and Karim Benzema is also sidelined due to a muscle issue.

Additionally, Yusuf Akcicek is not expected to participate as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

Yassine Bounou is anticipated to start in goal, with Kalidou Koulibaly and Hassan Al-Tambakti partnering in central defence.

In midfield, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and Mohammed Kanno should maintain their positions, while Salem Al-Dawsari and Malcom will provide attacking options.

Al Shabab probable starting XI:

Grohe; Al-Thani, Hoedt, Al-Bulaihi, Yaslam; Adli, Sierra; Al-Hammami, Brownhill, Carrasco; Hamdallah

Al-Hilal probable starting XI:

Bounou; Al-Harbi, Koulibaly, Al-Tambakti, Hernandez; Milinkovic-Savic, Neves, Kanno; Al-Dawsari, Malcom; Leonardo

While Al-Shabab has indicated some signs of improvement, they may find it challenging to match the overall standard and composure that Al-Hilal brings.

The visitors’ greater quality, squad depth, and unbeaten record position them as favourites, and the Blue Waves should have sufficient capability to narrowly win a closely contested match.