Al-Hilal will face off against Damac in a highly anticipated Saudi Pro League clash at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium on Wednesday evening. Both teams are looking to make their mark early in the 2024-25 season, with Al-Hilal aiming to continue their dominant form from last season and Damac seeking to bounce back from a disappointing start.
Al-Hilal’s Dominance:
Al-Hilal had a remarkable 2023-24 Pro League season, securing the domestic double with an unbeaten league campaign that saw them claim 31 wins and only three draws in 34 matches. Their title triumph was even more impressive considering they did so without star signing Neymar, who was sidelined for a significant portion of the season due to injury.
The Blue Waves have carried their winning momentum into the new season, already clinching the Saudi Super Cup title with a convincing 4-1 victory over the Knights of Najd. In their first league match, Al-Hilal cruised to a 3-0 away win, with Aleksandar Mitrovic scoring a brace and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic opening his account in the first half.
Al-Hilal boasts an impressive record at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, with 16 consecutive league wins and 23 matches unbeaten leading up to their clash with Damac. The defending champions will be looking to extend their streak and maintain their stronghold on the top spot in the league standings.
Damac’s Struggles:
In contrast, Damac experienced a downward spiral last season, finishing in 10th place after placing higher in the previous campaigns. The Knights of the South ended the season on a poor note, failing to secure a win in their final six league matches, with only one victory in their last 12 games.
Cosmin Contra’s side kicked off the new season with a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Al Khaleej, signaling a challenging start for Damac. The team will be looking to turn their fortunes around against Al-Hilal, but their recent record against the defending champions doesn’t bode well, as they have not won an away game in the league since mid-April and have struggled to overcome Al-Hilal in their past six encounters.
Team News and Lineups:
Al-Hilal will potentially see the return of Neymar to action in the upcoming weeks, adding another dimension to their attacking prowess. Saud Abdulhamid is set to join Roma, paving the way for Mohammed Alburayk or Yasser Alshahrani to take up the right-back position in the starting lineup.
Damac will be without midfielder Adam Maher, who is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, posing a challenge for Contra in midfield. Hazzaa Al-Ghamdi, a new addition to the squad, is expected to lead the line alongside Kevin N’Koudou in an effort to bolster Damac’s attacking options.
Predicted Lineups:
Al-Hilal: Bounou; Alburayk, Koulibaly, Al Bulaihi, Lodi; Milinkovic-Savic, Neves; Al-Qahtani, Alhamddan, Al-Dawsari; Mitrovic
Damac: Abdullah; Faqihi, Chafai, Bedrane, Al-Anazi; Munshi, Hamed, Al-Ghamdi, Stanciu, N’Koudou; Solan
Prediction:
In what is expected to be a one-sided affair, Al-Hilal are tipped to secure a comfortable 3-1 victory over Damac. With their formidable record at home and a potent attacking lineup, the defending champions are likely to dominate proceedings and extend their winning streak in the league.
Conclusion:
As Al-Hilal and Damac prepare to clash in the Saudi Pro League, all eyes will be on the defending champions to maintain their winning form and continue their march towards another title. While Damac will be aiming to turn their fortunes around, the odds are stacked against them as they face a formidable opponent in Al-Hilal. Fans can expect an exciting and action-packed encounter as both teams strive to make their mark in the league.