The Saudi Championship is still in its early days, but Al Hilal is already emerging as the big favorite. The current champion, the team led by Jorge Jesus, has a 100% success rate in the first four games played and is looking to extend its good streak in a match against Al Kholood this Saturday (28) at 3 PM (Brasília time).
So far, Al Hilal has won all four games played, scoring 12 goals and conceding only three. They are already the sole leaders with 12 points, three more than Al Ittihad, Al Shabab, and Al Ettifaq.
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On the other hand, this Saturday’s rival is experiencing a different reality, with only one victory this season, which came in their last match against Al Wehda. This poor start even led to an early elimination in the Saudi King’s Cup.
Where to watch Al Kholood vs. Al Hilal?
Al Kholood and Al Hilal will face off with live coverage on “Goat” (Youtube) and on Bandsports (cable TV).
Predictions for Al Kholood vs. Al Hilal:
Andre Donke: Al Kholood 0 x 3 Al Hilal
Paulo Cobos: Al Kholood 0 x 4 Al Hilal
Rafael Marques: Al Kholood 1 x 2 Al Hilal
Lineups for Al Kholood vs. Al Hilal:
With very different investments compared to the main teams in Saudi Arabia, Al Kholood has a different reality. It’s no coincidence that one of its most famous players is goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe, a champion of the CONMEBOL Libertadores with Grêmio. He is expected to be a starter again this Saturday.
The Portuguese Paulo Duarte is likely to line up: Grohe; Hawsawi, Gyomber, Ekong, Al Dosari, and Al Qahimi; Dieng, Al Safari, Álex Collado, and Maolida; Muleka.
To maintain the lead in the Saudi league, Jorge Jesus is expected to stick with the same core of players that has been playing. Top scorer Mitrovic, along with Bono, Rúben Neves, and Malcom, who were rested in the Saudi King’s Cup match last Tuesday, are likely to return to the starting lineup.
The probable team is: Bono; João Cancelo, Koulubaly, Al Bulayhi, and Renan Lodi; Rúben Neves, Milinkovic-Savic, and Al Dawsari; Malcom, Marcos Leonardo, and Mitrovic.