The Saudi Pro League is set for another thrilling encounter as league leaders Al Hilal face off against struggling side Al Akhdoud at the Kingdom Arena on January 31, 2025. This matchup promises to showcase the intense competition and talent within the league, with both teams vying for significantly different outcomes.
Al Hilal, riding high as the top-placed team, currently boasts 43 points accumulated from 14 wins, 1 draw, and just 1 loss, providing them with a remarkable goal difference of +37 (52 goals scored and only 15 conceded). Their recent performances at home have been particularly impressive, with 8 victories and no defeats, putting them as the clear favorites going stage of the season.
Despite their typically stellar record, Al Hilal experienced disappointment last matchday, suffering a surprising 1-2 defeat to Al Qadisiyah. This loss serves as both a wake-up call and motivation for the team to bounce back decisively. The team manager, Jorge Fernando Pinheiro de Jesus, is expected to adjust strategies, indicating potential key roles for players Leonardo and Malcom. They will need to step up to fill the gap left by Aleksandr Mitrovic—absent due to injury.
On the other hand, Al Akhdoud finds itself precariously positioned at 13th place with merely 15 points from 16 matches. Their record shows 4 wins, 3 draws, and 9 losses, accumulating only 20 goals scored, but conceding 24. Their recent form, which includes 2 wins and 3 losses over the last five matches, has led to questions surrounding their consistency and ability to compete effectively. Stjepan Tomas, the team coach, has been under pressure to inspire improved performance from his squad.
Historically, Al Hilal has had the upper hand against Al Akhdoud, having claimed victories without dropping points. The teams’ last encounter ended decisively with Al Hilal winning 3-0. This history only adds to the anticipation surrounding their upcoming clash, causing fans and analysts alike to wonder whether Al Akhdoud can break this trend or if Al Hilal will continue its dominance.
Adding to the drama, Neymar’s recent departure from Al Hilal to join Santos FC has left fans buzzing. Neymar's time with Al Hilal was marked by limited contributions, with only one goal during his tenure—five appearances with significant underwhelming performance. Nonetheless, the club is expected to cope well without the star player.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:45 PM IST, and fans will be eagerly tuned to see if Al Hilal can capitalize on their home advantage or if Al Akhdoud will mount a surprise challenge. Viewers can catch the action through various streaming services, including the Sony Liv app which encompasses the Saudi Pro League broadcasting rights.
The odds for the match heavily favor Al Hilal, with bookmakers placing the home side at -1.14 for victory, Al Akhdoud winning at -13, and draw outcome sitting at 7.5. Given Al Hilal's track record and current form, the prediction leans strongly toward them securing all three points.
Given the current narrative, fans will remain optimistic about the chances of Al Hilal consolidifying their position at the top of the Saudi Pro League. Every match counts as the season progresses, especially with strong competitors like Al Ittihad chasing closely behind.
For both clubs, this is more than just another match. For Al Hilal, it’s about reaffirming supremacy and continuing their quest for the title, whereas for Al Akhdoud, this match could be pivotal for revitalizing their season and climbing out of the relegation danger zone.