Challenges facing Al-Hilal in their quest to maintain their lead
Al-Hilal, the leaders of the Saudi Professional League, are preparing for a crucial match against Al-Akhdoud, facing significant challenges due to the absence of several key players for various reasons. Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus is working to find suitable tactical solutions to compensate for these absences and ensure the team's continued success in their quest for the league title.
List of absences and its impact on the leader's lineup
The most notable absences are in the back line, where the team will be without international defender Hassan Tambakti due to accumulated yellow cards, forcing Jesus to reshuffle his defensive lineup. Tambakti's absence is a significant loss given his vital role in central defense alongside Ali Al-Bulaihi and Kalidou Koulibaly.
In addition, Brazilian star Neymar da Silva remains sidelined as he undergoes a lengthy rehabilitation program following a cruciate ligament injury. While the team has adapted to his absence since the start of the season, the loss of a player of his caliber is still a significant factor. Goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais also continues to be unavailable due to injury, further solidifying the confidence placed in the outstanding Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to protect the Al-Hilal goal.
General context and importance of the match in the title race
Al-Hilal enters this match sitting comfortably atop the Roshan League standings, ahead of their closest rivals, Al-Nassr. The team has achieved an incredible winning streak, placing them in a unique position not only domestically but also globally. The Al-Akhdoud match represents another step in the team's journey towards officially securing the title, and any slip-up could give their rivals a glimmer of hope.
On the other hand, Al-Akhdoud, who have been delivering inconsistent performances this season, are aiming for a positive result against the league leaders to distance themselves from the relegation zone. Matches like these offer underdogs a chance to prove they can compete with the top teams, adding extra excitement and significance to the encounter. The depth of Al-Hilal's squad and the quality of their substitutes will be truly tested in this match, as Jesus will be relying on players like Salem Al-Dawsari, Malcom, Mitrovic, and Savic to lead the team to another victory and overcome the challenge of absences.
