Al-Ettifaq vs Al-Hilal Preview: Al-Hilal Faces Tough Beginning
The Saudi Pro League will witness an exciting confrontation on October 18, 2025, when Al-Ettifaq clashes with reigning champions Al-Hilal at EGO Stadium. Both teams are eager to establish strong early-season momentum, setting the stage for a thrilling match.
Al-Hilal: Current Standings and Key Players
Al-Hilal has had a challenging start to the 2024/25 season, currently standing 6th in the league with 8 points. The team has played four matches without suffering any defeats, registering two draws, scoring 10 goals, and conceding 6.
Recently, Al-Hilal triumphed over Al-Okhdood with a 3-1 victory, highlighting their offensive capabilities. Under the guidance of coach Simone Inzaghi, the team aims to improve upon their early season performance.
Key Players
- Malcom: An impactful player with three goals in the AFC Champions League and contributions in the league.
- Darwin Nunez: The recent addition from Liverpool, who has already scored twice this season.
Historically, Al-Hilal has maintained a notable advantage over Al-Ettifaq, remaining unbeaten in their last 17 meetings.
Al-Ettifaq: Season Overview and Performance
Al-Ettifaq has seen a mixed start to the season, currently holding mid-table with 7 points. Their record includes two wins, one draw, and one loss from four league matches.
Coach Al-Shehri is starting to see promising signs, especially from top scorer Khalid Al-Ghannam. Al-Ettifaq began the season with a 2-1 win against Al-Kholood, courtesy of goals by Nikota and Wijnaldum.
Recent Results
- Drew against Al-Taawoun (1-1).
- Lost to Al-Taawoun (4-1).
- Won against Damac (3-1).
Probable Lineup for Al-Ettifaq
Expect Al-Ettifaq to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation under Al-Shehri’s strategy:
- Goalkeeper: Marek Rodak
- Defense: Jack Hendry, Madu, Al-Oteibi, Al-Ghannam
- Midfield: Duda, Medran
- Attack: Wijnaldum, Blaz Kramer, Moussa Dembele
Head-to-Head Statistics
Al-Hilal has historically dominated the encounters with Al-Ettifaq, winning 9 out of their last 10 matches with just one draw. This trend suggests Al-Hilal enters this match with a favorable edge.
Match Prediction and Betting Insights
This highly anticipated match presents intriguing betting prospects, with Al-Hilal emerging as the favored team:
- Al-Hilal to win: 1.30 (1xBet)
- Both teams to score: 1.62 (Betway)
- Total goals over 3.5: 2.18 (Bet365)
With Al-Hilal’s current form and historical prowess, they are expected to perform admirably against Al-Ettifaq. Despite Al-Ettifaq’s efforts, overcoming the reigning champions will be a formidable challenge. Fans eagerly await what promises to be an exhilarating showdown on the pitch.
