Al Ittihad vs Al Hilal Preview:
- Date: 30 April, Tuesday
- Kick-off Time: 6:00 PM (GMT)
- Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City
As the business end of the season nears, the hunger for trophies consumes all. On Tuesday, Al Ittihad will take on Al Hilal in the semi final of the King Cup of Champions at King Abdullah Sports City. The two sides met earlier this month in the Saudi Super Cup final and the wounds of loss will still be fresh for Al Ittihad. Since their 4-1 loss to Al Hilal in the Saudi Cup however, the Karim Benzema club has responded well, winning their last two fixtures. Their latest victory came against Al Shabab as they won 3-1 comfortably. Al Ittihad will certainly seek redemption as they are presented with an opportunity to beat a vulnerable Al Hilal.
On the other side are Al Hilal. The Saudi Pro League leaders have enjoyed a fantastic season as they cruise towards winning the league. However, their recent defeat and eventual elimination from the AFC Champions League semi-final last week will certainly dampen their mood. While Al Hilal bounced back from their elimination by beating Al Fateh 3-1 in the league, they will certainly be vulnerable against an Al Ittihad ready to wreak vengeance on Al Hilal.
Al Ittihad vs Al Hilal Team News:
Al Ittihad:
The reigning champions of the Saudi Pro League invested big in the summer transfer window at the start of the season in a bid to strengthen their squad depth and revamp their squad with stars. Unfortunately for the side, injuries have plagued the club this season and the Al Ittihad vs Al Hilal tie will see them enter the tie with crucial players.
On Tuesday, Al Ittihad will be without the services of the golden trio of Karim Benzema, Fabinho and N’Golo Kante. While Benzema has been hounded by a muscle injury all season long, Fabinho and N’Golo Kante sustained injuries recently making them unlikely to feature in the Al Ittihad vs Al Hilal tie. The Saudi club will also be without Luis Felipe who sustained a hamstring injury only a week ago.
Apart from the Al Ittihad stars, Sultan Al Farhan, Zakaria Al Hawasawi, Awad Al Nashri, Abdullah Al Jadani and Ahmed Bamsaud will also miss the game due to their respective injuries.
Al Hilal:
While Al Hilal have managed to escape most of the season injury free, a couple of injuries have recently affected the squad. Striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has been in sensational form for the Riyadh based club this season and has scored a whopping 33 goals across all competitions this season. Unfortunately for Al Hilal, the striker recently picked up an injury as the business end of the season approaches and is now ruled out for the Al Ittihad vs Al Hilal clash.
Unfortunately for Al Hilal, a recent injury to Ali Al-Bulayhi will also affect the club going into the Al Ittihad vs Al Hilal tie. He will be accompanied by ex Barcelona man Malcolm on the sidelines who suffered a worrying foot injury recently.
Neymar Jr. and Muteb Al Mufarrij continue to remain on the sidelines as they recover from their long term injuries.
Al Ittihad vs Al Hilal Predicted Lineups:
Al Ittihad Expected XI:
Abdullah Al-Mayouf (GK), Saad Al-Mousa, Ahmed Hegazy(C), Hasan Kadesh, Fawaz, Farah Ali, Saleh Al-Amiri, Madallah Al-Olayan, Romarinho, Talal Haji, Jota
Al Hilal Expected XI:
Bono (GK), Saud Abdulhamid, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ali Albulayhi, Renan Lodi, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Michael, Kanno, Nasser, Saleh Al-Shehri
Al Ittihad vs Al Hilal Head-to-Head Record:
Since 2011, the two sides have faced each other in a total of 28 games. While Al Ittihad have been impressive in the last few seasons, Al Hilal have dominated the tie, winning 17 of the 28 fixtures. Meanwhile, Al Ittihad have won five games and six have ended in a draw. The two sides have faced each other five times this season and all ties have been won by Al Hilal. Al Ittihad will certainly be eager to take revenge!
Last five ties:
- Al Ittihad 1-4 Al Hilal:- Saudi Super Cup – 11 April, 2024
- Al Ittihad 0-2 Al Hilal:- AFC Champions League – 13 March, 2024
- Al Hilal 2-0 Al Ittihad:- AFC Champions League – 5 March, 2024
- Al Hilal 3-1 Al Ittihad:- Saudi Pro League – 1 March, 2024
- Al Ittihad 3-4 Al Hilal:- Saudi Pro League – 1 September, 2023
Al Ittihad vs Al Hilal Prediction:
If the five ties between the two clubs this season are a trailer of what lies ahead, it seems that Al Hilal might eliminate Al Ittihad from yet another competition this season. However, Al Ittihad will look to have the last laugh by beating a vulnerable Al Hilal in the last tie between the sides this season. On paper, given Al Ittihad’s long injury list, it seems unlikely that they will beat Al Hilal. However, stranger things have happened!
Predicted Score: Al Ittihad 1-2 Al Hilal
Al Ittihad vs Al Hilal Betting Tips and Odds:
Bookmakers expect Al Hilal to win the Al Ittihad vs Al Hilal battle in a closely contested game and score at least one goal.
Where to watch Al Ittihad vs Al Hilal:
- India: Sony Liv, Sony Sports Network
- Saudi Arabia: Saudi Sports Company (SSC)
- USA: Paramount+
Also Read:
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- WATCH: Al Ittihad player Abderrazak Hamdallah whipped by angry fan after Saudi Super Cup loss!