The match of the 20th round of the Saudi Pro League between Al Hilal and Al Ahli will take place on 2 february at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. Al Hilal vs Al Ahli: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Al-Hilal Saudi made a powerful start to the season but have unexpectedly slowed down and dropped points in two consecutive rounds, whereas Al-Ahli Saudi under Matthias Jaissle have hit phenomenal form and are back in the title race. In the first league meeting the sides produced a thrilling 3:3 draw, and there is every chance of a similarly open match here.
Al-Hilal Saudi
Al-Hilal Saudi looked unbeatable for a long time: a run of 15 straight wins and a comfortable lead in the standings seemed to guarantee a quiet spring. However, at the end of January Simone Inzaghi's side slipped up twice, drawing 1:1 with Al-Riyadh and 2:2 with Al Qadsiah. Finishing let them down, as over those two matches the hosts produced 4.46-1.38 in xG compared with their opponents. Home advantage remains crucial: They have not lost in Riyadh this season and have taken 25 of a possible 27 points there, but the side have conceded in six of nine home league matches.
Al-Ahli Saudi
Al-Ahli Saudi are experiencing the opposite scenario: after an autumn slump they exploded in January, winning eight matches in a row with an aggregate score of 20:4. The best defence in the league (only 12 goals conceded) is combined with a powerful attack led by Ivan Toney, the English forward who has scored 18 goals this season and leads the scoring charts. It is also noteworthy that the visitors are performing well away from home, taking 19 points from eight away matches and conceding only twice (in a defeat to Al Fateh).
Al-Hilal Saudi vs Al-Ahli Saudi Prediction
Al-Ahli Saudi are dangerous on the wings and in transitions, where Riyad Mahrez and Wenderson Galeno apply constant pressure. The visitors are likely to exploit the openness of the hosts and should not leave without scoring. At the same time the home side will not sit back in defence and should also find the net, but that is unlikely to be enough for a win.
