Al-Hilal Vs Al-Ahli

Al-Hilal heads into Round 23 of the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season with their sights set on maintaining pressure in the title race as they prepare to host Al-Ahli at the Kingdom Arena this Friday. The reigning champions recently snapped a frustrating three-match winless streak in emphatic style, thrashing Al-Kholood 5-1 on home soil. With renewed confidence, Jorge Jesus and his squad will be eager to carry forward this momentum and secure another vital three points.

Al-Hilal began their title defense in remarkable form, amassing an impressive 43 points from their first 16 league games. Their dominance suggested that they were on course to reclaim the crown they won last season without suffering a single defeat. However, a rocky start to the month saw them falter, dropping crucial points and allowing their closest competitors to close in. Consecutive draws against Damac and Al-Riyadh, followed by a disappointing loss to title challengers Al-Ittihad, saw them slip seven points behind the league leaders.

The commanding victory over Al-Kholood earlier this week may have restored some confidence within the squad, but doubts remain over whether the Blue Waves have truly regained their best form. Friday’s encounter against a formidable Al-Ahli side will serve as a litmus test for their title credentials. History, however, favors Al-Hilal, as they remain unbeaten in their last eight encounters with Al-Ahli across all competitions, winning six of those clashes and drawing two. Their most recent meeting in October saw them claim a 2-1 victory, further bolstering their psychological edge.

Playing back-to-back matches at the Kingdom Arena is an additional boost for Al-Hilal, as they boast an outstanding home record. They have secured 31 points from a possible 33 at their fortress, winning 10 and drawing once. Alongside Al-Ittihad, they remain one of only two teams yet to suffer a home defeat in the league this season. The passionate home support will be expecting another resolute display as their side aims to keep their title ambitions alive.

On the other hand, Al-Ahli is determined to break their winless streak against Al-Hilal, a drought that has persisted since 2020. With the reigning champions appearing more vulnerable than in previous seasons, the visitors may feel that this is their best chance to claim a long-overdue victory. Their confidence will be further bolstered by a commanding 4-1 win over Al-Quadisiya earlier this week, which showcased their attacking prowess.

Matthias Jaissle’s men have been in scintillating form of late, winning six of their last seven league fixtures. Their only setback in this impressive run came in a narrow 3-2 home defeat to Al-Nassr earlier this month. Currently sitting fifth in the league standings with 44 points, Al-Ahli is just three points adrift of Al-Nassr, who occupy the final AFC Champions League qualification spot. After finishing third last season, the Royals are keen to return to Asia’s premier club competition, and every point at this stage of the campaign is crucial to achieving that goal.

Al-Ahli’s performances on the road have been commendable, having collected 19 points from a possible 33 away from home. They have also won each of their last four competitive matches away from home, three of which were in the Saudi Pro League. This run of form will give them added belief as they prepare for the challenge of taking on Al-Hilal in their own backyard.

A key strength for Al-Ahli this season has been their defensive resilience. They currently share the best defensive record in the league, having conceded just 19 goals in 22 matches. This solid defensive foundation has been instrumental in their success, and they will rely on it once again in what is expected to be a high-stakes encounter.

Both teams enter this fixture with a lot at stake. For Al-Hilal, it is about keeping pace in the title race and proving that they have overcome their recent slump. For Al-Ahli, it is about breaking their losing streak against their rivals and strengthening their push for AFC Champions League qualification. The intensity of the contest is sure to reflect these ambitions, making for a thrilling encounter.

Jorge Jesus will be looking to his attacking stars to deliver the goods once more. The likes of Malcom and Aleksandar Mitrović will be expected to play pivotal roles in breaking down Al-Ahli’s well-organized defense. Meanwhile, midfield maestro Sergej Milinković-Savić will be tasked with dictating the tempo of the game and ensuring his side maintains control in the middle of the park.

For Al-Ahli, Gabri Veiga and Roberto Firmino will be key to unlocking Al-Hilal’s defense. Veiga’s creativity and ability to operate between the lines will be crucial, while Firmino’s experience and clinical finishing could make the difference in a game of fine margins. Additionally, Riyad Mahrez’s ability to create and score from wide positions will pose a constant threat to the home side.

Tactically, Al-Hilal is expected to dominate possession and look to dictate the pace of the game. Their attacking full-backs will play a crucial role in stretching the Al-Ahli defense and providing width to their attacking play. However, they must be wary of Al-Ahli’s counterattacking threat, as Jaissle’s side has proven to be dangerous in transition.

Al-Ahli, on the other hand, may opt for a more compact approach, looking to absorb pressure and hit their opponents on the break. With their defensive solidity, they have the capability to frustrate Al-Hilal and force mistakes. If they can capitalize on their chances when they come, they stand a real chance of securing a positive result.

As the two sides prepare to lock horns, the Kingdom Arena is set to witness a battle between a team fighting to stay in the title race and another determined to secure a place in next season’s AFC Champions League. The outcome of this clash could have significant implications for both teams as the business end of the season approaches.

Ultimately, it will come down to which team can handle the pressure and execute their game plan more effectively. With both sides boasting quality across the pitch, this encounter promises to be an absorbing spectacle for fans and neutrals alike. All eyes will be on Riyadh as Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli renew their rivalry in what is expected to be a fiercely contested affair.