Al-Hilal's first football team is preparing for a tough and potentially risky test when they travel to face Neom FC on Sunday evening at King Khalid Sports City Stadium in Tabuk. This highly anticipated match is part of the 16th round of the Saudi Professional League, and Al-Hilal aims to continue their historic winning streak and maintain their unbeaten record.
The two teams' positions in the standings
Al-Hilal enters the match sitting comfortably atop the league table with 38 points, accumulated from an impressive run of twelve wins and two draws, remaining undefeated so far. Meanwhile, Neom FC occupies a more comfortable position in ninth place with 20 points, having recorded six wins, six losses, and two draws, making them eager to regain their footing against the league leaders.
The context of competition and NEOM's challenges
This match takes on special significance given the remarkable development of the Saudi Professional League, where every game has become like a cup final. Neom has been suffering a noticeable decline in results recently, managing only two wins in their last five matches, along with three losses, the most recent being against Al-Shabab. The home team will be looking to capitalize on home advantage and the support of their fans in Tabuk to overcome this slump and achieve a positive result, whether by securing all three points or at least a draw against the league's most potent attack.
Star Battalion and Available Weapons
Despite the varying positions of the players, the match promises a fierce battle between a host of international stars. Neom boasts a formidable squad of professionals, spearheaded by Algerian star Saïd Benrahma, Malian Abdoulaye Doucouré, and veteran French striker Alexandre Lacazette, in addition to Egyptian defensive stalwart Ahmed Hegazi. The roster also includes promising names such as Simon Bouabre, Amadou Koné, and Uruguayan Luciano Rodríguez, alongside local talents like Fares Abdi and Khalifa Al-Dossari.
Al-Hilal's absences and strategic alternatives
In the Blue camp, Al-Hilal's manager faces a tactical challenge due to the absence of key players. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and defender Kalidou Koulibaly are unavailable due to international duty, while captain Salem Al-Dawsari is sidelined with an injury. However, Al-Hilal boasts a strong bench and impactful starters, including Portuguese maestro Rúben Neves, Serbian Sergej Milinković-Savić, and Brazilian Malcom. The squad also features talented players such as Marcos Leonardo, Frenchman Theo Hernandez, and new Spanish signing Pablo Mari, alongside local stars Hassan Tambakti and Mohamed Kanno, demonstrating Al-Hilal's determination to secure all three points and extend their lead in the title race.
