Al-Hilal, the leaders of the Saudi Professional League, are preparing for another match in their triumphant run this season, with fans eagerly awaiting the starting lineup that Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus will field. All indications point to the return of two of the team's key players: Moroccan international goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and the talented Saudi winger Salem Al-Dawsari, who are expected to lead the team once again.
The context of the match and its importance in Al-Hilal's journey
Al-Hilal enters this match in an exceptional period, comfortably atop the league table with a significant lead over its closest rivals. They have achieved a historic and consecutive winning streak, establishing themselves as one of the strongest teams on the global stage this season. This encounter comes as the team seeks to maintain its unbeaten record and further extend its lead, bringing it closer than ever to securing the league title early. A victory in such a match would be another step towards achieving a historic season that could see numerous local and continental records broken.
The impact of star players' return on team strength
The return of Yassine Bounou and Salem Al-Dawsari represents a tremendous morale and tactical boost for the team. Bounou's absence from some matches allowed goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais to play, but the return of the African Goalkeeper of the Year provides the defense with unparalleled confidence and security, thanks to his vast experience and ability to build play from the back. On the other hand, Salem Al-Dawsari, nicknamed "The Tornado," is the heartbeat of Al-Hilal's attacking operations, distinguished by his dribbling skills, chance creation, and crucial goal-scoring ability. His return means the team regains its full attacking force, making the task even more difficult for any opposing defense.
Al-Hilal's expected lineup
Based on the latest data and the return of key players, coach Jorge Jesus is expected to rely on his ideal lineup that led the team to major victories, which may be as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou
- Defense: Saud Abdulhamid, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ali Al-Bulaihi, Yasser Al-Shahrani
- Midfield: Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
- Attacking midfielders: Michael Delgado, Malcom, Salem Al-Dawsari
- Attack line: Aleksandar Mitrovic
This integrated lineup combines defensive solidity with the presence of Koulibaly and Bono, creativity in midfield led by Neves and Savic, and the lethal attacking power represented by the trio of Malcom, Salem and Mitrovic, making Al-Hilal an exceptional candidate to achieve another victory and continue its journey towards the podium.
