Al-Hilal will look to maintain their pursuit of the Saudi Pro League title when they travel to Al-Taawoun on Saturday.
The reigning champions have failed to capitalise on recent slip-ups by league leaders Al-Ittihad, leaving them four points adrift with just 10 matches remaining in the campaign.
Match preview
Al-Hilal’s inconsistent form in recent months has derailed what initially seemed like a seamless title defence, after what had been an imperious form at the start of the season, averaging 2.68 points per game across their opening 16 fixtures, withered away.
February proved a difficult month for Jorge Jesus‘s side, as they managed just one win – against Al-Kholood – while suffering damaging defeats to Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli, and dropping points against Damac and Al-Riyadh.
March began on a similarly disappointing note with a 1-0 loss to Uzbekistani outfit Pakhtakor in the first leg of their AFC Champions League round of 16 tie, but they have since steadied the ship, claiming a 2-0 league victory over Al-Fayha before emphatically turning the tie around against Pakhtakor with a 4-0 rout on Tuesday.
While a four-point gap is far from insurmountable for a team of Al-Hilal’s calibre, they must rediscover consistency, but worryingly, they have failed to win consecutive league matches since January, spanning an eight-match period.
Their away form has also been concerning, with just one win in their last four league outings on the road – a 2-0 triumph over Al-Fayha – following two defeats and a draw.
On paper, this fixture might not seem a daunting prospect given Al-Hilal’s dominance historically – winning 25 and losing only four of their 33 meetings, while they have triumphed in 12 of their 15 visits to King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, suffering just one defeat.
However, Al-Taawoun’s recent resurgence means this clash could be trickier than it appears, as the Wolves have found their stride since Mohammed Al-Abdali took over as caretaker manager last month.
Having gone five matches without a win prior to his appointment, they have now emerged victorious in five of their last nine competitive fixtures, while losing just once in that period.
Al-Taawoun are also unbeaten in their last four games across all competitions, securing three wins and a draw, including a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Iranian side Tractor in the AFC Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday.
In their last five league matches, they have amassed the joint-most points in the division, securing three victories – including back-to-back wins – while suffering just one defeat.
With this upturn in form, they will be eager to end a five-match losing streak against Al-Hilal, particularly as they remain unbeaten in their last four home games in all competitions.
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Team News
Al-Hilal will be without veteran centre-back Ali Albulayhi, regarded as one of the finest defenders in Saudi football history.
Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has missed the last two matches due to injury and remains a doubt, while Joao Cancelo is also a concern after being forced off in the recent defeat to Al-Ahli.
Star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic marked his return with a goal against Al-Fayha but was absent against Pakhtakor in midweek after being hospitalised due to a rapid heartbeat, with doctors recommending a complete rest.
Al-Taawoun also have one confirmed absentee, with Brazilian midfielder Maylson ruled out of this one through injury.
However, Centre-back Muteb Al-Mufarrij and winger Mohammed Al-Kuwaykibi are both fitness doubts ahead of the encounter.
Al-Taawoun possible starting lineup:
Atiah; Al Abdulrazzaq, Al Ahmed, Al Mufarrij, Al Nasser; Bahusayn, El Mahdioui, Lucas Chavez; Mandash, Roger Martinez, Bahebri
Al-Hilal possible starting lineup:
Bono; Al Yami, Koulibaly, Aldawsari, Lodi; Neves, Kanno; Kaio, Malcom, Al Dawsari; Marcos Leonardo
We say: Al-Taawoun 1-2 Al-Hilal
Al-Taawoun were taken to penalties in midweek, which could leave them fatigued for this challenging encounter against an Al-Hilal side fully aware of the fine margins in the title race.
We anticipate a tightly contested affair, with the hosts once again showcasing their defensive resilience, having kept three clean sheets in their last five matches – however, Al-Hilal’s attacking quality cannot be overlooked, as they have only failed to score once across all competitions this season, and their superior firepower should ultimately prove decisive in securing the victory.
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