Two in-form teams will go head to head when Al Quadisiya host league leaders Al-Hilal in round 17 of the Saudi Pro League at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium on Monday.
Third-placed in the standings with 34 points, the hosts come into this fixture off the back of a 2-0 win against Al Orubah last time out, whereas the visitors will aim to avoid losing the top spot.
Match preview
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Al Quadisiya have enjoyed a stellar campaign since their return to the elite league, having finished first in the Saudi second-tier in the 2023-24 season.
The Knight of the East have taken the top division by storm, claiming 11 wins from 16 fixtures this season to occupy the third position in the standings with 34 points – nine adrift of league leaders and Monday's opponents Al-Hilal.
Eight of those wins have come in their last nine outings in the league, with the only blemish being a 3-0 home loss to Al Taawoun in gameweek 14.
The hosts have been impressive in front of their fans, claiming five wins from their seven fixtures at home this term – a tally only bettered by Al Ittihad (nine) and Al-Hilal (eight).
On the attacking front, the home side have also fared well, having scored 24 goals – averaging 1.50 per game – the fifth-best in the league.
Defensively, Michel's team are leading the way, boasting the best backline in the elite division, having kept 10 clean sheets across their 16 fixtures, giving the home fans some confidence ahead of the contest.
Leading by virtue of goal difference, and needing to keep their place at the top of the standings, Al-Hilal will be desperate for a win to keep Al-Ittihad at bay.
Second-placed Al-Ittihad will be in action against 10th-placed Damac hours before the Blue Power file out to take on Al Quadisiya at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium on Monday.
A win for the The People's Club will mean that Jorge Jesus's team are condemned to claim all three points on the day if they are to reclaim top spot – and by extension, stretch their winning streak to six games.
Although Al-Hilal have lived up to the billing this season – playing under pressure against a very good Al Quadisiya side, and needing a victory to be sure of maintaining the status quo - this fixture could be a tricky one for the visitors.
However, the Blue Waves have been terrific on their travels, winning six of their eight fixtures on the road, and the form book certainly favours them to claim a sixth win on the trot.
Team News
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For the hosts, Saif Rajab faces an extended spell on the sidelines due to a torn muscle fibre, while Ibrahim Mohannashi is doubtful for this clash as a result of a lack of fitness.
Additionally, this fixture might come too soon for Jehad Thakri, who is out with muscular problems.
However, the duo of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Julian Quinones, who has 16 goal involvements so far, should form the attacking partnership for the home side.
Meanwhile, left-back Yasser Al-Shahrani, who is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, will not be available for the visitors.
Similarly, top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic will sit out this one following a hamstring injury he picked up earlier in the month; however, Marcos Leonardo, who scored a brace against Al Orubah, will fill the void.
Al Quadisiya possible starting lineup:
Casteels; Nacho, Lajami, Alvarez; Al Shamat, Al Ammar, Fernandez, Puertas, Almena; Aubameyang, Quinones
Al-Hilal possible starting lineup:
Bounou; Al Bulayhi, Koulibaly, Cancelo, Lodi; Neves, Kanno; Al Dawsari, Al Qahtani, Malcom; Leonardo
We say: Al Quadisiya 2-3 Al-Hilal
Both sides come into this fixture in a rich vein of form, and this could turn out to be a high-scoring affair.
Given Al-Hilal's qualities, they are favourites to claim a victory in this fixture; therefore, we predict a 3-2 win for the visitors.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
