Preview and Predictions for Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr: A Crucial Saudi Pro League Clash

The Kingdom Arena is gearing up for an intense showdown on Friday as Al-Hilal takes on Al-Nassr in a pivotal Saudi Pro League match that could influence the AFC Champions League Elite standings.

Al-Hilal, affectionately known as Al-Za’eem, aims to secure their fourth consecutive victory, while Al-Alami (Al-Nassr) strives to continue their impressive unbeaten streak and grab three more points to further their campaign.

Before the international break, Jorge Jesus’s Al-Hilal achieved a commanding 4-0 victory over Pakhtakor in the Champions League, flanked by two 2-0 league wins against Al Faya and recently, Al Taawoun.

In their win over Sukkari Al-Qassim, goals from Mohamed Kanno and Marcos Leonardo on either side of halftime sealed the triumph. Al-Hilal’s dominant performance was underscored by their eightfold increase in attempts on goal compared to their opponents.

Having kept three consecutive clean sheets across competitions, Al-Hilal’s six league points have them comfortably in second place, six points clear of Al-Nassr, their third-place challengers.

The home team enjoys a strong record at the Kingdom Arena, losing only once this year. However, this sole defeat came against Al-Ahli in their most recent home match on February 28.

A win on Friday could potentially thrust Al-Hilal nine points ahead of the third spot, bringing them closer to securing a place in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite.

Al-Nassr, led by Stefano Pioli, showcased remarkable form with five straight victories in the Pro League from late January to mid-February, though they’ve stumbled lately, losing eight points in their last five matches.

Their recent encounter saw Al-Alami triumph 3-1 over Al-Kholood on March 14. Despite Nawaf Boushal’s red card, stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Jhon Duran contributed to the scoreboard.

Currently third in the league, Al-Nassr trails Al-Hilal by six points, sharing the same points tally with Al-Qadsiah as they vie for Champions League spots next season.

Facing Al-Hilal away could prove decisive for Al-Nassr’s continental aspirations, yet with only one win in their last four away games across all competitions, the visitors must rediscover their early-season form.

A victory would bring Al-Nassr within reach of the Champions League Elite positions, although a defeat could allow fourth-placed Al-Qadsiah a chance to close the gap.

Al-Hilal’s Recent League Form:

• Draw
• Loss
• Win
• Loss
• Win
• Win

Al-Hilal’s All Competitions Form:

• Win
• Loss
• Loss
• Win
• Win
• Win

Al-Nassr’s Recent League Form:

• Win
• Loss
• Win
• Loss
• Draw
• Win

Al-Nassr’s All Competitions Form:

• Win
• Loss
• Draw
• Draw
• Win
• Win

Team News

Al-Hilal’s defensive unit, currently in prime form, will feature Kalidou Koulibaly and Hassan Al Tambakti at its core, flanked by Hamad Al Yami and Renan Lodi.

Ruben Neves and Mohamed Kanno will anchor the midfield, with Kanno eager to add to his recent goalscoring success.

Marcos Leonardo will spearhead the attack supported by Malcolm, who will operate in an advanced playmaker role, while Kaio Cesar and Salem Al-Dawsari provide width.

For Al-Nassr, the suspended Nawaf Boushal means Mohamed Simakan may move to full-back, with Mohammed Al-Fatil bolstering the central defense.

Wingers Angelo and Sadio Mane will look to support the dynamic front duo of Jhon Duran and Cristiano Ronaldo as they aim to close the distance to second place.

Predicted Al-Hilal Starting XI: Bono; Al Yami, Tambakti, Koulibaly, Lodi; Neves, Kanno; Cesar, Malcolm, Al-Dawsari; Leonardo

Predicted Al-Nassr Starting XI: Bento; Simakan, Lajami, Al-Fatil, Alnajdi; Angelo, Al-Hassan, Brozovic, Mane; Duran, Ronaldo

Prediction: Al-Hilal 2-1 Al-Nassr

Given the stakes this week, Al-Nassr is driven to narrow the gap on Al-Hilal’s lead, so anticipate an intense battle. Still, Al-Hilal’s fortress-like home advantage and solid defensive record suggest they will likely retain all three points on Friday.