Al Hilal vs Al Shabab

Al Hilal will welcome Al Shabab to the Kingdom Arena on Matchday 29 of the Saudi Pro League, with both sides eyeing key points as the season nears its climax. Currently sitting second in the table, Al Hilal are just four points adrift of leaders Al-Ittihad, while Al Shabab occupy sixth place.

The defending champions still have a shot at retaining their title. After 28 matches, Al Hilal have recorded 19 wins, four draws, and five defeats. They returned to winning ways in style last time out, cruising past Al Khaleej with a 3-0 home triumph—thanks in large part to a brace from Salem Al Dawsari.

That win was significant, not only halting a two-match winless streak in the league (D1, L1) but also snapping a two-game losing skid at Kingdom Arena. With 34 points from 14 home fixtures, Al Hilal boast the second-best home record in the league.

Al Shabab, meanwhile, will be eager to avenge their 2-1 home loss to Al Hilal earlier in the campaign.

The White Lions come into this fixture unbeaten in their last eight league outings (W5, D3), with their most recent defeat coming back on February 13 in a 3-2 loss to Al-Qadsiah. Although their three-match winning run was recently ended by a goalless stalemate against Al Okhdood, they will take heart from a 3-1 away win over Al Wehda as they aim to spring a surprise in Riyadh.

Currently sitting second in the league, Al-Hilal have built a reputation for their relentless attacking football, particularly on home soil. With 19 wins so far this season, they remain strong contenders for the championship, driven by their impressive goal-scoring form. The team averages an outstanding 2.75 goals per game, highlighting their offensive dominance. However, their defensive stability has occasionally been questioned, having conceded an average of 1.3 goals per match in their last ten outings. Their recent 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture will surely boost confidence as they prepare to face Al-Shabab once again.

The big question is: Can Al-Hilal live up to their favorites tag when they take on Al-Shabab in the 29th round of the Pro League? While Al-Hilal’s formidable home record and high-scoring attack make them the expected frontrunners, Al-Shabab have proven to be a tough opponent, especially in away matches. The visitors have displayed consistency on the road and will be determined to strengthen their position in the upper half of the table.

Although the odds lean toward Al-Hilal, Al-Shabab have repeatedly defied expectations this season, making this encounter far from predictable. Fans can anticipate an exciting tactical duel, with both sides likely to prioritize attacking play. Will Al-Hilal’s firepower be enough to secure another vital three points, or can Al-Shabab pull off an upset? The stage is set for a thrilling showdown.