Al-Hilal will look to maintain their perfect start to the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season when they return to action against Al Fayha at Kingdom Arena on Friday afternoon. The hosts are three points clear at the summit of the league standings after the first six games of the season, while the visitors are in 14th place with five points over the same period.
After romping to the domestic double last season, Al-Hilal have kicked off their title defence incredibly well, and despite being just six games into the new campaign, they already look destined to go back-to-back. The Blue Waves posted a flawless six wins from six leading up to the international break, and are leading Group B in the AFC Champions League Elite as one of only two teams in the section, along with Al Ahli, to have won their first two matches.
Jorge Jesus's side have also been rampant in attack this season, scoring a remarkable 18 goals in league competition, half of which have been tucked away by Aleksander Mitrovic, who is now two clear of Karim Benzema and four ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in the leading goal-scorer standings. The Serbian international netted twice against Al-Malaki in his side's last outing, marking his fourth brace already this season, and he has only failed to score in one league match so far this term.
Across all competitions, Al-Hilal have played three home games this season, scoring 11 goals in that time, while in the league they are on an 18-match winning streak and unbeaten in their last 25, and only failed to score two or more goals in two of those matches.
While the hosts are very heavily fancied to take all three points from this match, it is worth noting that Al Fayha were the only side that left the Kingdom Arena with anything last season when they played to a 1-1 draw with the champions on opening day. Al-Burtuqali went on to post their best-ever top-flight finish last season of ninth, but they have stumbled out the blocks this term, currently only one point above newly promoted Al Kholood, who is the first side below the dotted line.
Chief among Christos Kontis's side's struggles so far this season has been their lack of attacking output, with the side managing only five goals this campaign, which is the third-fewest in the division behind Al-Khaleej and basement club Al Fateh. Additionally, the Greek tactician is still searching for his first win on the road since arriving in the Middle East, having lost one and drawn the last two of his three away matches in charge to date.
Despite earning a point here last season, Al Fayha are winless in their last four matches against the Blue Waves (W0 D1 L3) dating back to May 2022, and have been outscored by them 7-1 in that time.
Al-Hilal were dealt one significant injury blow during the international break, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou sustaining a muscle injury against the Central African Republic, which will see him sit out this match. The Moroccan shot-stopper will be joined on the sidelines by Neymar, though the Brazilian has now returned to training and reports suggest that he should be fit to resume club duty in the Champions League later this month.
Al Fayha have just one confirmed absentee for this weekend's trip in the form of Henry Onyekuru, who has yet to feature this season due to injury and is only expected to return next year. Mohammed Al-Baqawi was withdrawn at halftime in the side's 2-2 draw against Al Wehda before the international break, which may suggest that Makhir Saleh will start at right-back in this one.
Al-Hilal's Dominance
Al-Hilal have already announced themselves as the team to beat in the Pro League this season, and given their form so far, we feel that they will secure another fairly comfortable home win in this one. They are a confident side who are very strong in their backyard. They have signed some more quality players this season and surely look to win all the trophies, whether domestically or at the continental level.
Al Fayha's Challenge
On the other hand, Al Fayha started their season poorly, as they are currently placed in the 14th position in the league, with only five points. They have only won a single match in six fixtures and drawn two matches. Playing against Al Hilal away from home is a big task. Al Fayha will have to give their best to get something positive from this match. They are undefeated in their last four matches after losing each of their previous four in competitive action. They have, however, won just one of their last eight away games and could see defeat here.
The Key Players
Al-Hilal's Star Striker
The Serbian is a prototypical number 9. An old-fashioned, physically imposing striker who is capable of holding the ball up with his back to the goal and getting into goal-scoring areas. He is very good in the air and can beat defenders with his physicality. Mitrovic is a proper poacher inside the penalty box and is probably the best striker in the league. In front of the goal, he is lethal and does not miss many chances to score. He will be the biggest threat to Al Fayha.
Al-Fayha's Defensive Wall
Smalling has never been known for his skills on the ball. His strengths have always lied in the defensive phase of the game. Smalling is not a particularly progressive attacking player with the ball at his feet. While his defending style may look unorthodox at times, he does well to get the job done off the ball, using his body to win the ball and nullify opposition attacks. His decision-making has improved both on and off the ball, leading to a more complete comfortable defender. He is fast and nearly unbeatable in one-on-ones. He has a great ability to read the play and anticipate.
The Prediction
The home team are unbeaten in the Saudi Pro League. Surely this will be an exciting clash, but most probably the home team will win this fixture.
How to Watch Al-Hilal vs Al-Fayha
The match will be held at the Kingdom Arena tomorrow at six o’clock Egypt time. And Mecca, where the Al-Arzaq club returns to the Kingdom Arena after a period of absence due to carrying out some maintenance work on the stadium.
You can watch the match on the following channels:
- India: Sony LIV, Sony Sports Network
- UK: DAZN UK
- USA: fubo TV, FOX Deportes
- Nigeria: Star Times App, Sporty TV
Conclusion
This match will be a clash of titans, with Al-Hilal looking to extend their winning streak and Al-Fayha looking to pull off an upset. Be sure to tune in to see who will come out on top!
