The Saudi derby between Riyadh and Jeddah, the largest cities in Arabia, is now upon us. We are obviously talking about Al Hilal-Al Ittihadboth at the top of the standings. A real head-to-head for this fourth round of the Saudi Pro League where many stars from Europe can be seen.
First of all, on the home side, former Sevilla player Bono between the posts with Joao Cancelo as starter. In midfield, Al Hilal cannot do without Milinkovic-Savic, former Lazio midfielder, while in attack Marcos Leonardo (previously pursued by Roma) is back. Neymar, on the other hand, remains a mystery, still struggling with the injury that has kept him out for 11 months now. Al Ittihad, on the other hand, will be led by Benzema as a point of reference in the center of the attack with former Tottenham player Bergwijn acting as left winger. Midfield octopus, as also demonstrated at the European Championships in Germany, N’Golo Kanté. Also in from the 1st minute is former Giallorossi player Aouar.
The official formations
Al-Hilal (4-2-3-1): Bono; Cancelo, Al Bulayhi, Altambakti, Renan Lodi; Neves, Milinkovic-Savic; Malcom, M. Leonardo, Salem; Mitrovic. Available: Alyami, Hamad, Shahrani, Khalifah, D. Nasser, Alqahtani, Kanno, Khalid, Hamddan. Trainer: Jorge Jesus.
Al Ittihad (4-2-3-1): Rajkovic; Shanqueeti, Al-Amri, D.Pereira, Kadesh; Kante, Fabinho; Diaby, Aouar, Bergwijn; Benzema. Available: Al Mahasneh, Faqueehi, Al-Sagour, Al-Mousa, Alobud, Hawsawi, Al-Ghamdi, Al-Shehri, Al-Bishi. Trainer: Laurent Blanc.
🔹 Lineup confirmed ✅
LET’S GO!💙#RoshnSaudiLeague 💫 #AlHilal 🤩 pic.twitter.com/F2LA5n73Px
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) September 21, 2024
Fourth round
Thursday, September 19
Al Wehda – Al Kholood 0-1
Friday 20th September
Al Khaleeji – Al Fayha 0-0
Al Ahli – Damaq 4-2
Al Ettifaq – Al Nassr 0-3
Saturday 21st September
Al-Shabab – Al-Taawoun
Al Raed – Al Riyadh
Al Hilal – Al Ittihad
Classification
1. Al Ittihad FC 9*
2. Al-Hilal 9*
3. Al-Ettifaq 9
4. Al Nassr FC 8
5. Al Ahli SC 7
6. Al Qadisiya 7
7. Al-Taawon 6*
8. Al-Shabab 6*
9. Al Raed 4*
10. Al Riyadh 4*
11. Al Kholood 4
12. Al Orubah 4
13. Al Khaleej 3
14. Al Wehda 4
15. Damac 3
16. Al Fateh 3
17. Al-Okhdood 1
18. Al Fayha 1
* one race less