Al Hilal vs. Al Nassr Preview: Lineups, Kickoff Time & Key Stats
The Saudi Pro League is heating up, and one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season is upon us: Al Hilal vs. Al Nassr. This Riyadh Derby features two of the biggest clubs in Saudi Arabian football, each boasting some of the world’s top talents, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Aleksandar Mitrović, and Malcom.
With both teams fighting for the title, this match promises to be a high-intensity battle filled with drama, goals, and top-class football. Below, we break down everything you need to know, including kickoff time, predicted lineups, head-to-head records, and tactical insights.
⸻
Match Details
• Fixture: Al Hilal vs. Al Nassr
• Competition: Saudi Pro League
• Date: Friday, April 4, 2025
• Kick-off Time:
• USA: 2:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM CT / 11:00 AM PT
• UK: 7:00 PM BST
• Saudi Arabia: 9:00 PM AST
• Venue: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh
• Referee: To be confirmed
⸻
Current Form & League Standings
Al Hilal’s Recent Form:
✅ Win – 3-0 vs. Al Taawoun
✅ Win – 2-1 vs. Al Ahli
✅ Draw – 1-1 vs. Al Fateh
✅ Win – 4-0 vs. Al Ettifaq
Al Nassr’s Recent Form:
✅ Win – 5-2 vs. Al Wehda
✅ Draw – 2-2 vs. Al Ittihad
✅ Win – 3-1 vs. Al Shabab
✅ Win – 2-0 vs. Damac
📊 League Table Position:
• Al Hilal: 1st place (60 points)
• Al Nassr: 2nd place (55 points)
📈 Key Stats:
• Al Hilal are unbeaten in their last 10 games.
• Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 19 goals in 22 games this season.
• Aleksandar Mitrović has netted 16 goals for Al Hilal.
• Al Hilal’s defense has conceded only 12 goals in the league, the best in Saudi Arabia.
⸻
Predicted Lineups & Team News
Al Hilal (4-3-3 Formation)
Coach: Jorge Jesus
• Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou
• Defenders: Saud Abdulhamid, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ali Al-Bulaihi, Yasser Al-Shahrani
• Midfielders: Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Malcom
• Forwards: Michael, Aleksandar Mitrović, Salem Al-Dawsari
🔹 Injury Updates: Neymar remains sidelined after his ACL injury and will miss the match.
⸻
Al Nassr (4-2-3-1 Formation)
Coach: Luis Castro
• Goalkeeper: David Ospina
• Defenders: Sultan Al-Ghannam, Aymeric Laporte, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Alex Telles
• Midfielders: Marcelo Brozović, Otávio, Seko Fofana
• Forwards: Anderson Talisca, Sadio Mané
• Striker: Cristiano Ronaldo
🔹 Injury Updates: None confirmed, but fitness concerns remain over David Ospina.
⸻
Head-to-Head Record
• Total Matches Played: 63
• Al Hilal Wins: 33
• Al Nassr Wins: 20
• Draws: 10
• Last Meeting: Al Hilal 3-2 Al Nassr
📊 Recent Meetings:
• 2024: Al Hilal 2-1 Al Nassr
• 2023: Al Hilal 3-0 Al Nassr
• 2023: Al Nassr 1-1 Al Hilal
🔹 Key Fact: Al Hilal have won three of the last four meetings against Al Nassr.
⸻
Tactical Breakdown
Al Hilal’s Game Plan
✅ Possession-based football: Expect Al Hilal to dominate midfield with Ruben Neves and Milinković-Savić.
✅ Wing play: With Michael and Salem Al-Dawsari providing width, Al Hilal will look to create chances from the flanks.
✅ Defensive stability: With Kalidou Koulibaly leading the defense, they will aim to neutralize Cristiano Ronaldo.
Al Nassr’s Game Plan
✅ Counter-attacking football: With Ronaldo, Mané, and Talisca, Al Nassr will look to hit Al Hilal on the break.
✅ Set-piece threat: With Brozović and Otávio, expect dangerous deliveries into the box.
✅ High pressing: Al Nassr will aim to disrupt Al Hilal’s buildup with aggressive pressing in midfield.
⸻
Players to Watch
• Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) – The Portuguese legend remains Al Nassr’s key player, with 19 goals this season.
• Aleksandar Mitrović (Al Hilal) – The Serbian striker has been on fire and will be a major threat in the box.
• Sadio Mané (Al Nassr) – The former Liverpool star adds speed and experience to Al Nassr’s attack.
• Ruben Neves (Al Hilal) – The midfield maestro is crucial for dictating the tempo of the game.
⸻
Match Prediction
This match is set to be one of the biggest showdowns in Saudi Pro League history. Both teams have strong squads, but Al Hilal’s defensive strength and home advantage might give them the edge.
Final Prediction: Al Hilal 2-1 Al Nassr
⸻
Final Thoughts
The Al Hilal vs. Al Nassr clash is more than just a football match—it’s a battle of two footballing giants with a passionate fan base behind them. Expect drama, goals, and world-class football as these two teams fight for supremacy in Saudi Arabia.
Who do you think will win? Comment below with your predictions!