Saudi Pro League: Al-Hilal Favourites to Extend Dominance Against Damac
Al-Hilal will be looking to maintain their impressive start to the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season when they host Damac at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The reigning champions kicked off their title defence with a convincing victory over Al Okhdood last weekend, while the visitors suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Al Khaleej on their opening day.
A Dominant Force
Al-Hilal had an exceptional 2023-24 season, securing the domestic double with an undefeated league campaign. They finished the season with an impressive 31 wins and just three draws in 34 matches, ultimately finishing a commanding 14 points ahead of rivals Al-Nassr.
This dominance continued into the new season, with Al-Hilal already lifting the Saudi Super Cup after a 4-1 victory over Al-Nassr. Their winning form continued in the league opener, securing a comfortable 3-0 away win against Al Okhdood. Aleksandar Mitrovic bagged a brace, while Sergej Milinkovic-Savic opened his account for the season.
Al-Hilal's home record is particularly impressive, boasting 16 consecutive league wins and 23 matches unbeaten at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.
Damac's Struggles
In contrast, Damac experienced a decline in form last season, finishing in 10th place after ending the previous season in eighth. Their performance dipped significantly towards the end of the season, with only one win in their final 12 league matches.
Their opening game of the new season highlighted their struggles, suffering a disappointing defeat to Al Khaleej, who finished below them in the previous campaign. Damac have also endured a poor run of form away from home, failing to win a top-flight match on the road since mid-April. Their record against Al-Hilal is equally poor, with no wins in their last six encounters dating back to 2021.
Team News
Al-Hilal will be without the services of Saud Abdulhamid, who is set to join Roma. His absence could see Mohammed Alburayk or Yasser Alshahrani filling the right-back position. However, the Blue Waves will be boosted by the expected return of Neymar to full fitness in the next month.
Damac will be missing midfielder Adam Maher, who is ruled out for a significant period due to a cruciate ligament injury. However, new signing Hazzaa Al-Ghamdi is set to continue his partnership with Kevin N'Koudou in attack.
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
Conclusion
Al-Hilal's formidable home record and recent form make them clear favourites to secure another victory against a struggling Damac side. The league champions have already shown their attacking prowess this season and are expected to add to their goal tally against a Damac team who have yet to find their rhythm.
Prediction: Al-Hilal 3-1 Damac
