Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 13, 2024 2:00 am GMT
The anticipation is palpable as Saudi Arabia’s top two football clubs, Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, prepare to clash in the first Saudi El Clasico of the 2024 season. With both teams boasting strong starts, this match could decisively impact the chase for league supremacy. What does each side bring to the table, and how might their recent performances shape the upcoming encounter?
Recent Form: Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ittihad
Al-Hilal currently rides high on momentum, fresh off a successful title defense that saw them claim victory in the Roshn Saudi League (RSL). The Blue Waves have not skipped a beat this season, securing three consecutive wins and already clinching the Super Cup title. Here are some key stats illuminating their current form:
- Four wins in the league to date, scoring three goals in each match.
- Active unbeaten streak at home with 24 matches, including a stellar record of scoring two or more goals.
- Last league loss at home dates back to March 6, 2023.
In their last outing, Al-Hilal faced Al-Riyadh and emerged victorious, underscoring their intent to dominate yet again. Aleksandar Mitrovic has been a standout for the team, netting six goals in just three league appearances this season and establishing himself as a player to watch.
Conversely, Al-Ittihad is experiencing a resurgence, largely thanks to new signings bolstering their squad. This season, they sit at the top of the league after demolishing Al-Wehda 7-1, with star striker Karim Benzema scoring a hat-trick. Here are additional highlights from their performance:
- Benzema has scored four goals in three matches.
- Newcomers like Moussa Diaby and Houseem Aouar have made impactful contributions.
- Al-Ittihad is back on track after a disappointing fifth-place finish last season.
The Clashing Titans: A Look at the Teams
Both squads bring a blend of experience and youthful talent to this classic rivalry. Al-Hilal, historically dominant in this fixture, boasts a squad rich in attacking prowess, including Aleksandar Mitrovic and the returning Saleh Al Shehri, who will take on his former teammates.
- Al-Hilal’s likely lineup: Bounou; Al-Yami, Koulibaly, Al Bulaihi, Lodi; Milinkovic-Savic, Neves; Al-Qahtani, Alhamddan, Al-Dawsari; Mitrovic
On the other side, Al-Ittihad will lean on its roster’s depth to combat Al-Hilal’s attacking depth. With Benzema leading the charge and Diaby’s creative playmaking abilities, Al-Ittihad appears poised to provide a strong challenge.
- Al-Ittihad’s expected lineup: Rajkovic; Al Yami, Al Mouse, Pereira, Kadesh; Kante, Fabinho; Diaby, Aouar, Bergwijn; Benzema
A Rivalry Like No Other
The rivalry between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad transcends beyond just statistics; it represents the spirit of Saudi football. Al-Hilal has largely dominated the encounters of the past few years:
- In their last 24 meetings since 2016, Al-Hilal has emerged victorious in 18.
- Al-Ittihad’s last win over Al-Hilal in the league dates back to 2016, making their challenge all the more daunting.
- The last seven meetings have seen Al-Hilal emerge victorious, with no signs of easing that dominance.
Despite the bleak head-to-head record, Al-Ittihad’s recent convincing performances could shift the narrative. With a solid lineup ready to dethrone their rivals, Al-Ittihad may well have the tactical edge under coach Laurent Blanc.
Looking Ahead: What is at Stake?
The stakes could not be higher heading into this matchup. Both teams sit atop the league, each with nine points after their first three games. A win for either side could set the tone for the season and provide a significant psychological boost.
“This match is always bigger than just points; it’s about pride,” one Al-Hilal fan commented. The rivalry’s intensity transcends mere statistics, affecting players, fans, and the overall atmosphere in the kingdom.
The Big Question: Who Will Prevail?
With both sides on a winning streak and filled with talent, predicting the outcome suddenly becomes a complex task. Al-Hilal has the advantage of home soil and a psychological edge historically, but Al-Ittihad looks revitalized and determined to change the narrative.
Experts suggest it might be a closely contested affair, possibly leading to a high-scoring game considering each team’s recent scoring feats and the unpredictability of a Clasico matchup.
fans and neutrals alike can only wait in anticipation for what promises to be a thrilling bout. The clash at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium will undoubtedly keep spectators on the edge of their seats.
Conclusion
As the first Saudi El Clasico of the season gets closer, everyone is super excited about the match between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad. Both teams are playing really well right now, but history shows that Al-Hilal usually wins. Al-Ittihad has some new players who are helping them play better, and they are ready to compete hard. This game could be a big moment for both teams. Will Al-Hilal keep winning, or will Al-Ittihad take this chance to rise to the top? Football fans all over the world will be watching to see how this classic rivalry plays out!
