Football

Damac vs Al Hilal predicted lineups: Blue Waves to drown the Knights?

September 20, 2023 5:13 pm

Neymar Jr and Al Hilal will travel to Damac dwelling in the relegation zone for the seventh-round fixture in the Saudi Premier League. Cosmin Contra’s men face the daunting task of trying to stop an Al Hilal attack which has scored 20 goals in SPL already. The game will take place in Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium on 21st September at 4 PM UK time.

Damac vs Al Hilal predicted lineups: Blue Waves to drown the Knights?
Photo by Icon Sport

Damac v Al Hilal predicted lineups and team news

Jorge Jesus’s side is the only unbeaten team in the Saudi Premier League as they have collected 16 points from a possible 18. A fearsome front three of Neymar, Aleksandar Mitrović and Malcolm have already spread terror in opposition defences. Milinković-Savić and Ruben Neves will supply them with the ammunition.

The Knights of the South on the other hand are yet to win a game and have only claimed three points via three scrappy draws. They have let in 13 goals, which is the second-worst in the league. However, the Southerners will be fresh as they didn’t have any midweek fixtures to deal with, unlike their opposition.

Team news: Damac

A big blow to an already struggling Damac will be the suspension of right-back Noor Al-Rashidi. Since they are facing such a devastating attack, expect an ultra-defensive approach from the Contra’s boys.

They will have to fight throughout the game and rely on counter-attacks led by Assan Ceesay and Georges-Kevin Nkoudou starting up front, who are both quick and slick; if they are to get anything out of this match.

Damac predicted lineup (3-4-2-1)

Zeghba (GK); Alhwsawi, Chafai, Bedrane; Al-Anazi, Hamed, Antolic, Stanciu; N’Koudou, Al Bishi; Ceesay

Team news: Al Hilal

Abdulelah Al-Malki will be a major miss for the Blue Waves, and Jesus may want to rotate a few players to keep them fresh after the AFC Champions League game. Yassine Bounou will hold the post and Kalidou Koulibaly will lead a formidable defence.

All eyes will be on the explosive front three, however, as they will look for another dominating display. They should be aided by a very stable midfield of Milinković-Savić and Neves; who will look to monopolize possession.

Al Hilal predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Bono (GK); Abdulhamid, Koulibaly, Al Bulaihi, Al Shahrani; Milinković-Savić, Neves; Michael, Malcom, Neymar; Mitrovic

Will Neymar’s magic continue?

Brazil’s record goal-scorer has already taken the Saudi Pro League by storm and he hasn’t even scored yet. The former Barcelona and PSG superstar has already got two assists in the league and can torment any defence with his mesmerizing skill and explosive speed.

He will have to be managed carefully though given his injury record and fans may get disappointed when he is inevitably taken off early. The onus will be then on former Fulham striker Mitrovic and another Brazilian Malcolm who have both scored 5 goals in SPL already.

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