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After failing to start their AFC Champions League campaign in impressive fashion, Al Hilal are aiming to light up Group D by storm when they travel to the Azadi Stadium, Tehran to face FC Nassaji Mazandaran this Tuesday evening. Star forward Neymar, still without a goal contribution for Al Nassr, aims to break his duck in Asia’s biggest competition
Al Hilal vs Nassaji Mazandaran AFC Champions League team news
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Al Hilal are quite fortunate to have a fully fit squad at their disposal for this upcoming game against the Iran club. Under-pressure manager Jorge Jesus will, however, have a bit of a headache in terms of his selection issues in selecting his best XI for this.
That is because as per AFC rules, only five non-Saudi players can start the game for Al Hilal – which means that all of their major summer signings cannot start together. While Neymar might be a lock-in, the gaffer will have to make tough decisions on whom to bench for this upcoming clash.
Al Hilal Predicted Lineup vs Nassaji Mazandaran
Mohammed Alowais, Saud Abdulhamid, Hassan Altambakti, Ali Albulayhi, Yasser Alshahrani, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Malcom, Neymar, Salem Aldawsari, Aleksandar Mitrovic
Al Hilal Predicted Lineup vs Nassaji Mazandaran – Our top three
Neymar – Desperate for first Al Hilal goal
Despite his grand arrival at Al Hilal from PSG, Neymar has yet to light up their performances. The stylish forward has not been able to score a goal so far in four appearances, although he has three assists. Neymar’s goal-scoring ability is well-known.
He can dance past players at ease and is an extremely lethal finisher. That is why he’s likely to be marked tightly by rugged Nassaji defender Amir Janmaleki. He’ll look to show his class by embarrassing the opposition defenders with his trickery and put his lethal scoring ability and get his first Al Hilal goal.
Aleksandar Mitrovic – Serbian forward aiming to replicate league form in ACL
Aleksandar Mitrovic has been on fire for Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League since joining from Fulham. He has scored six goals in as many games. However, Mitrovic is yet to bring that goal form to the AFC Champions League and looks to do that against the Iran side, who will get their young centre-back Amir Mohammad Houshmand to stick to him like glue.
Mitrovic will look to shake him off with his bullish style and use his clinical goal-scoring ability to put away chances and help Al Hilal get a big win.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – Midfield maestro could unravel Nassaji
Al Hilal desperately missed midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in their 1-1 draw against Navbahor in the opening AFC Champions League game. He’s fully fit now and ready to add more steel and creativity to their midfield. Milinkovic-Savic can be a robust, tormenting figure in midfield – using his physicality and ability to sneak past players well.
He could be the one to destabilize Nassaji’s defensive shape and add an extra goal-scoring body to the attack. The former Lazio star’s goal contribution tendency could be the x-factor to help Al Hilal get a big win.
Can Kalidou Koulibaly play against Nassaji Mazandaran?
Kalidou Koulibaly wasn’t involved in Al Hilal’s opening AFC Champions League game and is likely to miss this too. That isn’t due to injury, but because they can’t play all their foreigners together. The Saudi giants need an attacker like Malcolm more than a defensive leader like Koulibaly in this and that’s why he could again miss out.
Al Hilal Predicted Lineup vs Nassaji Mazandaran – The Final Word
Al Hilal are desperate to get a win to properly kick off their AFC Champions League campaign. They are aware that dropping more points can cause them to fall behind in the battle to top the group and attract more criticism to the squad. The Saudi side are overwhelming favourite to dominate the group and aims to start doing so with a huge win over Nassaji.
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