Al Hilal vs Al Shorta: AFC Champions League Match Preview, Lineups, and Key Facts

AFC Al Hilal Football Sourav Paul September 30, 2024 0 Comments

Al Hilal vs Al Shorta: AFC Champions League Match Preview, Lineups, and Key Facts

One of the tournament favorites, Al Hilal, takes on Iraqi champions Al Shorta, and it is going to be a thrilling spectacle. Confidence oozing out of their veins, Al Hilal are on a winning spree and, more importantly, with an All-star lineup to start the game. On the other side of the pitch, Al Shorta comes into this match with an abundance of momentum as they have breezed through an impressive performance against Al Nassr. They are keen to give the reigning Saudi Pro League champions a run for their money.

Kick-Off Details

Date: Tuesday, 1 October 2024

Time: 7:00 PM UK, 11:30 PM IST

Venue: Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Recent Form

Al Hilal (W-W-W-W-W):

Al Hilal have been on thrilling form this term, picking up all their Saudi Pro League matches and starting their AFC Champions League campaign with a 3-1 win over Al-Rayyan. Sidelined but hopefully not for too long are the stars like Joao Cancelo and Marcos Leonardo, who have recently joined the Saudi champions’ ranks.

Al Shorta (D-L-W-L-D):

The reigning Iraqi champions are in great form coming into this match after impressively holding Al Nassr to a 1-1 draw in their opening group fixture. Even if their form in the domestic league hasn’t been anything to write home about, they always seem to find the resilience in big matches.

Player to Watch

Aleksandar Mitrovic (Al Hilal): Mitrovic has been on fire for Al Hilal this season, scoring 11 goals in just nine games. The Serbian striker is deadly inside the box and is likely to create issues for defenders with his aerial capabilities and clinical finishing. Therefore, he will be a player to watch out for, particularly from set pieces and crosses.

Fahad Youssef (Al Shorta): The Syrian midfielder with experience should remain a key factor at the heart of the Al Shorta midfield. A veteran like him will help to keep the composure of the team against such a tough opponent like Al Hilal. Youssef should be a crucial figure breaking up attacks and shielding the defense on counter-attacks.

Match Facts

Al Hilal is without defeat in their last 21 across all competitions, depicting the success they have experienced at home and abroad.
Al Shorta got a great draw against Al Nassr in the Group D match of the AFC Champions League; indeed, the team did not get dominated by the top teams.
It is going to be the first-ever encounter of Al Hilal with Al Shorta.

Injury & Team News

Al Hilal: Neymar remains sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, while Moten Al-Harni is a doubt for this match. Despite these setbacks, Al Hilal has plenty of quality depth to manage without them.
Al Shorta: The Iraqi champions have a fully fit squad and are expected to field the same lineup that earned them a valuable point against Al Nassr.

Predicted Lineups

Al Hilal (4-2-3-1):
Bounou (GK); Cancelo, Koulibaly, Al-Bulayhi, Lodi; Al-Dawsari, Milinkovic-Savic; Malcom, Leonardo, Al-Dawsari; Mitrovic

Al Shorta (4-4-2):
Fadhil (GK); Qasim, Banga, Younnes, Yahia; Shakir, Jasem, Youssef, Ali; Dawood, Al Mawas

Match Prediction

Al Hilal have been unstoppable in the competition and with the likes of Mitrovic, Malcom, and Cancelo in their lineup, they are heavy favorites to win. Al Shorta, though defensively sound, may struggle to contain the relentless attack of the Saudi champions. While Al Shorta could pose a threat on counters, the quality and depth of Al Hilal’s squad should see them cruise to victory.

Prediction: Al Hilal 3-2 Al Shorta