Al-Ettifaq is preparing for a tough challenge when they visit league leaders Al-Hilal on Friday evening at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, as part of the 22nd round of the Saudi Professional League. The "Knights of Ad-Dahna" enter this match under difficult circumstances, suffering from the absence of four key players, which presents a real test for the team and their English coach, Steven Gerrard.
The general context of the confrontation and its importance
This match comes at a time when Al-Hilal is enjoying an exceptional period, sitting atop the league standings undefeated and boasting a winning streak that has positioned them as the leading contenders for the title. The "Leaders" possess a formidable attacking force led by Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, supported by a constellation of international stars such as Malcom and Ruben Neves, making them a formidable opponent for any team. On the other hand, Al-Ettifaq, who have seen significant investment this season, are aiming to improve their position in the standings and deliver a respectable performance against the league leaders, as the points from this match are crucial in the race for the top spots.
The impact of absences on Gerrard's plans
The list of absences further complicates matters for Al-Ettifaq, as it includes four influential players across different positions. At the top of the list is French striker Moussa Dembélé , the team's top scorer and one of Gerrard's key assets. Also missing is Slovakian playmaker Ondrej Duda , the midfield maestro with his ability to link the lines and create scoring opportunities. In addition, the team will be without South African midfielder Muharu Nkweta and full-back Radi Al-Otaibi . These simultaneous absences will force Gerrard to reshuffle his cards and search for tactical solutions to compensate for the numerical and technical deficiencies, particularly in attack and midfield creativity.
Expected impact of the match
Domestically, Al-Hilal aims to reaffirm its dominance and continue its quest to reclaim the title, while Al-Ettifaq hopes to achieve a positive result that will boost the team's confidence and provide a morale boost for a strong season. Regionally and internationally, the match is attracting widespread attention due to the presence of world-class players and coaching staff on both sides, with Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus leading Al-Hilal and English legend Steven Gerrard at the helm of Al-Ettifaq. This adds another dimension to the encounter and makes it a focal point for football fans worldwide.
