The Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium "Al-Malaz" will host the match between Al-Hilal Saudi Club and its guest Al-Ettifaq Club as part of the 19th round of the Saudi Pro League, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Cup.
The defending champion Al-Hilal suffered a surprising loss in the last round, losing 1-0 to its host, Damak, in the 18th round. This defeat led to the dismissal of coach Lushescu as the team's performance sharply declined. Despite being the winter champion, the team lost its top position in the following round and collapsed, settling in third place in the standings with 33 points, leaving the top spot to Al-Shabab, which is four points ahead of second-placed Al-Ahli. Meanwhile, Al-Ettifaq won against Abha in the last round with a result of 4-1, placing them in fifth position with 27 points, just two points behind fourth-placed Al-Ittihad.
Al-Hilal announced that player Mudallal Al-Olayan suffered a muscle tear in his leg, and that Nasser Al-Dosari is experiencing leg muscle pain, joining Salman Al-Faraj, who has not yet returned from injury. The new coach of Al-Hilal, Rogério Micale, is expected to start the match with the following lineup:
Goalkeeper: Abdullah Al-Mayoof
Defense: Yasser Al-Shahrani - Ali Al-Bulaihi - Jang Hyun-soo - Mohammed Al-Barik
Midfield: Gustavo Cuéllar - Mohammed Kanno - Salem Al-Dosari - Sebastian Giovinco - Andre Carrillo
Attack: Bafétimbi Gomis
On the other hand, Al-Ettifaq is expected to start the match with the following lineup:
Goalkeeper: Mohammed Al-Hayati
Defense: Fahd Ghazi - Philip Kish - Hamad Al-Suyaif - Saleh Al-Qamezi
Midfield: Naïm Sliti - Allirsi Souza - Ali Hazazi - Mohammed Al-Kuwikbi
Attack: Walid Azaro - Slimani Doukara
It is worth mentioning that the match is scheduled for 7:20 PM today, Thursday, and will be broadcast on Saudi Sports Channel 1.
