Al Hilal vs Al Shabab: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast
Al-Za’eem are still unbeaten in the Saudi Pro League
Al Hilal are going into this game after a Round of 32 triumph in the King Cup of Champions. Although the win wasn’t much flattering as only former Wolverhampton Wanderers star Ruben Neves netted a goal to give his team a 1-0 victory. Al-Za’eem heads into matchday 8 of the Saudi Pro League as the only side yet to be beaten.
Al Shabab too won their King Cup of Champions fixture. The win was due to the brace by former Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco. The away side is building some momentum with three back-to-back wins after losing to Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al Nassr and Al Khaleej before it. Al Shabab will be looking to get revenge as they were beaten 3-1 by Al Hilal in the semi-finals of the Arab Club Champions Cup on 9th August.
Kick-Off:
Friday, 29 September at 7:00 PM UK (11:30 PM IST)
Location: Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium
Form
Al Hilal (in all competitions): W-D-D-W-W
Al Shabab (in all competitions): W-W-W-L-L
Players to watch
Aleksandar Mitrovic (Al Hilal)
The striker who joined from Fulham FC has just been a part of the Al Hilal squad for over a month. And in such a short period of time has made his presence felt throughout the Saudi Pro League. By now Aleksandar Mitrovic has made 5 appearances for the unbeaten Saudi side. Mitrovic has 5 goals and an assist to show his calibre in those outings.
Yannick Carrasco (Al Shabab)
Atlético Madrid received a fee of almost close to €15 million for a player with just a year on his contract. This led Yannick Carrasco to fulfil his wishes to move to the Saudi Pro League and join Al Shabab. Al Shabab won their King Cup of Champions fixture due to Carrasco netting a brace. Carrasco will be looking to build on his single goal and assist in the Saudi league further after 2 appearances.
Match facts
- The home side is the only unbeaten team in the Saudi Pro League after 7 matchdays
- Both sides are coming on the back of a win in the King Cup of Champions Round of 32
- Al Hilal are second in the league while visitors Al Shabab sit at the 11th spot currently
Injury & team news
Al Hilal’s manager Jorge Jesus will be happy with the output of star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. Ruben Neves and Malcom have also been great for the side lately. All three should get the nod in the starting lineup. Neymar on the other hand has been inviting attention for off-the-field issues. Reportedly he wanted Jesus sacked but now has come out denying this report. The Brazilian wasn’t in the squad in the King Cup either.
Al Shabab have been displaying positive football in the last three games which also resulted in three wins. No injury dilemma for Juan Brown ahead of a trip to Al Hilal’s Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium. Former Atlético Madrid star Yannick Carrasco will obviously keep his spot after scoring a brace in the last game.
Head to Head
Total Matches – 40
Al Hilal wins – 21
Al Shabab wins – 7
Draws – 12
Predicted Lineup for Al Hilal vs Al Shabab
Al Hilal predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):
Bono (GK); Abdulhamid, Koulibaly, Al Bulaihi, Al Shahrani; Milinković-Savić, Neves; Malcom, Alhamddan, Al Dawsari; Mitrovic
Al Shabab predicted lineup (4-3-3):
Kim (GK); Al-Sagour, Saiss, Santos, Al Harbi; Al Qahtani, Cuellar, Banega; Bahbri, Diallo, Carrasco
Match Prediction for Al Hilal vs Al Shabab
The only side yet to be beaten in the Saudi Pro League has some issues in regard to mega-signing Neymar behind the scenes. He was missing in the last game and is unlikely to start in this showdown as well. Coach Jorge Jesus still has a squad beaming with talent as Al Shabab pays a visit. Although the visitors have been tough throughout to get three wins in all three of their latest fixtures, the home side has great calibre players all over and will potentially keep their unbeaten run intact.
Prediction: Al Hilal 2-1 Al Shabab
Telecast details for Al Hilal vs Al Shabab
India – Sony Sports Network
UK – DAZN, Sky Sports
US – ESPN
Nigeria – Sporty TV
