The Saudi Pro League is set for another dramatic chapter as table-topping Al-Hilal prepare to host sixth-placed Al-Ettifaq at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on Friday, February 13, 2026. With kickoff scheduled for 15:25 GMT (10:25 EST), the stakes couldn’t be higher. Al-Hilal, led by Simone Inzaghi, hold a razor-thin lead at the summit—just a single point separates them from fierce rivals Al Nassr. Every match now feels like a cup final, and this one is no exception.
Al-Hilal come into this clash on the back of a resounding 6-0 victory over Al Akhdoud in round 21, a match that saw the debut of superstar striker Karim Benzema. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner wasted no time making his mark, netting a stunning hat-trick and sending a clear message to the rest of the league. According to recent stats, Benzema has now scored 19 goals in 22 appearances across all competitions this season, with 11 of those coming in the Saudi Pro League. His arrival has not only boosted Al-Hilal’s attacking firepower but has also intensified the title race, especially given Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from Al Nassr—a subplot that’s added extra spice to the season.
Manager Simone Inzaghi has the luxury of a near-full squad for this crucial encounter. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who missed training earlier in the week due to a shoulder injury, is expected to be fit in time for the match. The only real question mark hovers over Turkish defender Yusuf Akcicek, who remains doubtful with a hamstring issue. Inzaghi’s likely starting eleven will feature a blend of international talent and local stars: Bounou; Al Yami, Kalidou Koulibaly, Lajami, Hernandez; Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Ruben Neves, Nasser Al-Dawsari; Malcom, Benzema, and Salem Al-Dawsari. This lineup offers both solidity and flair, with Koulibaly anchoring the defense and Malcom providing width and creativity in attack.
Al-Ettifaq, meanwhile, arrive in Riyadh with confidence. The team has won three of their last four league matches, an upturn in form that has propelled them into the top half of the table. They’re healthy and ready, with no major injury concerns reported. The key man to watch? Giorginio Wijnaldum. The former Liverpool midfielder has been in sensational form, topping both the goal and assist charts for Al-Ettifaq with 11 goals and 4 assists in 19 games this season. He’s supported by the likes of Moussa Dembele—who boasts 28 goals in 64 appearances for the club—and winger Khalid Al-Ghannam, who’s chipped in with seven goals from 19 games.
Despite their recent momentum, Al-Ettifaq face a daunting historical challenge. They haven’t beaten Al-Hilal since 2018, a run spanning 18 head-to-head meetings. Still, with the league leaders showing some vulnerability—just one win in their last four league outings—there’s a sense that the visitors could spring a surprise. The odds, however, remain stacked against them: Al-Hilal are priced at 1/7 to win, with Al-Ettifaq at 11/1 and the draw at 6/1. For punters, there’s intrigue in the proposition of Benzema to score first at 9/4, and Al-Hilal to win with both teams scoring at 13/10.
Fans across the globe will be tuning in, and there’s no shortage of ways to watch. English-language live streams are available in several regions, with platforms such as Fubo (offering a five-day free trial in the U.S.), FanCode (India), StarTimes World Football (Africa), Astro (Malaysia), and Thmanyah (Middle East) all broadcasting the match. For those facing geo-restrictions, VPN services like ExpressVPN or NordVPN are recommended, allowing supporters to bypass blackout zones and catch every moment of the action. Detailed guides on setting up VPNs for smart TVs, streaming sticks, and other devices have made it easier than ever for fans to watch their favorite teams no matter where they are.
Al-Hilal’s recent attacking exploits have been the talk of the league. Alongside Benzema, the squad boasts the likes of Ruben Neves (eight goals and five assists), Malcom (five goals, seven assists), and Darwin Nunez (six goals, four assists). The chemistry between these stars has produced some breathtaking football, and the expectation is that they’ll continue to deliver fireworks—especially with Benzema now firmly settled and hungry for more goals. His five hat-tricks since joining the Saudi Pro League are a testament to his enduring class, though the record for most SPL hat-tricks is still held by former teammate Abderrazak Hamdallah, who has 11.
On the other side, Al-Ettifaq’s resurgence has been powered by a balanced attack and a midfield marshaled by Wijnaldum. Their tactical discipline and recent form suggest they won’t simply roll over, even if history isn’t on their side. Moussa Dembele’s experience and goal-scoring prowess add another dimension, while Khalid Al-Ghannam’s pace could trouble Al-Hilal’s backline—especially if Akcicek is ruled out.
The narrative is rich with subplots: Benzema’s instant impact, Al-Hilal’s bid to maintain their unbeaten run since August 2025, and Al-Ettifaq’s quest to finally break their winless streak against the league leaders. Add in the high stakes of the title race—with Al Nassr breathing down Al-Hilal’s neck—and you’ve got all the ingredients for a classic Saudi Pro League showdown.
As the teams prepare to take the field, the atmosphere in Riyadh is electric. Will Al-Hilal tighten their grip on the top spot, or can Al-Ettifaq throw a wrench into the title race and rewrite recent history? With both sides boasting attacking firepower and plenty of motivation, fans can expect an open, entertaining contest.
One thing’s for sure: with so much on the line and stars like Benzema and Wijnaldum in the spotlight, the eyes of the football world will be glued to the Kingdom Arena on Friday. The outcome remains up in the air, but the anticipation is palpable. As the whistle blows, all bets are off—this is what the Saudi Pro League is all about.