The defending Saudi Pro League champions have made a strong start to the 2024-25 in their defense of the top-flight title this term. Al Hilal will be chasing a third straight success when they return to the field following the international break when they come up against Al-Riyadh on Saturday.
Before Betting on the Saudi Pro League
The 2023-24 season was a hugely successful campaign for Al-Hilal, as they enjoyed a dominant domestic campaign, winning the King Cup, Saudi Pro League, and the Super Cup. They were one of the most difficult teams to beat in the top-flight last term, enjoying a stunning 34-match winning sequence. Emulating that success and retaining their Pro League title will be the big challenge for Jorge Jesus.
As expected, Al-Hilal wasted little time in adding quality to their squad during the summer, with Joao Cancelo and Marcos Leonardo joining from Man City and Benfica, respectively. A second straight win to start the new season was enjoyed before the international break, with Aleksandar Mitrovic netting a brace in a 3-2 home win over Damac.
Al-Riyadh would have taken positives from their first season back in the top-flight since the 2004-05 campaign, despite finishing in a lowly position of 14th. The appointment of Odair Hellmann in mid-season transformed their performances, and building on that early promise will now be the big challenge.
The early signs this season have been largely positive, with Sabri Lamouchi tasked with overseeing the progression of the team. They come into this showdown against the reigning champions having avoided defeat in each of their two matches this term. A first win of the season was achieved before the international break, with Ibrahim Bayesh and Mohammed Al-Aqel scoring in a 3-1 success against Al Kholood.
Al-Riyadh vs. Al-Hilal Offshore Odds & Picks
[Odds taken from Bet365 and accurate as of 10:56 on 09.12.24]
| Match Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Al-Riyadh | +1000 |
| Draw | +500 |
| Al-Hilal | -500 |
The odds tell the story for this showdown in the Pro League on Saturday. Al-Hilal boast better quality across the field, and they will be heavily expected to record a third straight victory to maintain their 100% record.
Pick:
- Al-Hilal
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