The capital club fought for the title last season but ultimately fell eight points behind the champion, Al-Ittihad, with 75 to 83 points. Now, under Inzaghi, the Saudis performed well in the Club World Cup in the summer and in the Asian Champions League. Most importantly, after a couple of draws at the start, they managed to win consistently everywhere. Al-Hazem was even thrashed 3-0.
The team also based in Riyadh finished five points behind their neighbors last season. This time, they have had setbacks in the Super Cup and the national cup. But in other competitions, both in the second Asian Champions League and domestically, they enjoyed a long winning streak. Only Al-Ettifaq managed a 2-2 draw at home. Later, they even lost to Al-Ahli and Al-Qadisiyah.
Inzaghi’s new charges are impressive: they score 2.69 goals per match and concede quite a bit, averaging 0.92 per game. Joao Felix and his new teammates are also strong: 2.92 goals scored and 0.92 conceded.
Al-Hilal have failed to win two matches in all competitions this season
54% of Al-Hilal’s matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per match is 3.62
Al-Nassr have not won in their last three games
62% of Al-Nassr’s matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per game is 3.85.
Al-Hilal (possible lineup): Al-Yami – Theo, Akchichek, Tambakti, Al-Yami – Kanno, Ruben Neves, Milinkovic-Savic – Al-Dawsari, Marcos Leonardo, Malcom.
Al-Nassr (possible lineup): Al-Aqidi – Al-Nasser, Martinez, Al-Amri, Al-Ghannam – Coman, Brozovic, Angelo Gabriel, Wesley – Joao Felix, Ronaldo.
Three of the last five meetings have ended in draws – and only once each did either team manage to win at home against their rival.
