Saudi Pro League | Gameweek 30

May 7, 2025 at 5.15pm UK

King Abdullah Sport City Stadium

Al Raed vs Al-Hilal

Match preview

With 15 points still up for grabs and just eight points separating the top three teams in the standings, a win for Al-Hilal here could prove to be a major factor in their position at the end of the season.

A win for the Blue Waves could move them three points clear if Al Ittihad lose to Al Nassr later in the day in Riyadh, and it would also be a much-needed boost for the camp after a very difficult week.

Not only were Al-Hilal knocked out of the AFC Champions League Elite semi-finals by Al Ahli last Tuesday, but they have also been left without a permanent head coach after the club decided to part company with Jorge Jesus at the weekend.

Jesus had been heavily linked with the Brazil job, and former captain and club legend Mohammad Al-Shalhoub will now take over from Al-Za'eem on a temporary basis.

However, the visitors are expected to dominate the match, having lost just once in 36 previous meetings with Al Raed, while also scoring three goals in each of the last three encounters.

Meanwhile, after picking up three vital points against Al Orubah a few weeks ago, Al Raed's survival hopes suffered a major blow last time out when they lost 4-3 to Al Taawoun despite a spirited fightback from 4-1 down.

A defeat here could leave RAE 12 points adrift of ORO - the first team above the dotted line - by the end of the week, all but confirming their place in the Saudi First Division next season.

Indeed, it has been a difficult start to life in Buraidah for Kresimir Rezic, who was knocked out of the King's Cup at the semi-final stage, while last week's defeat was their fourth loss in their opening five games.

While the Croatian tactician would love nothing more than to take advantage of a vulnerable opponent, his side have not won a home league game since mid-November (W0 D1 L8) and have conceded two or more goals in seven of their nine matches in that period.

Recent Performance

Al Raed Saudi Pro League form:LLLLWL

Al-Hilal Saudi Pro League form:WWLDWD

Team News

Al Raed's only known injury absentee for this game is Mohammed Fouzair, who underwent surgery in November and will not return to first-team action until next season.

With 15 goals in 24 appearances this season, Amir Sayoud has been the standout performer for the hosts this term, and he is likely to retain his place in attack alongside Karim El Berkaoui this week.

Joao Cancelo was forced off just before half-time in the AFC Champions League quarter-final against Gwanju through injury and it is unclear whether he will return before the end of the season.

Kaio Cesar could be in line for a start after coming off the bench in the 59th minute against Al Ahli, only to be replaced moments later by Kalidou Koulibaly.

Possible starting lineup

Al Raed possible starting lineup:

Moreira; Al-Rajeh, Gonzalez, Qasmi, Al-Yousef; Hazazi, Normann, Abeid; Sayoud, El Berkaoui, Bouzok

Al-Hilal possible starting lineup:

Bounou; Al-Shahrani, Koulibaly, Al Bulaihi, Lodi; Neves, Milinkovic-Savic, Malcom, Leonardo, Al-Dawsari; Mitrovic