RIYADH: The Saudi Pro League title race intensifies on Monday as Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad both face crucial tests in round 29.
Al-Hilal take on Al-Shabab at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, aiming to keep the pressure on league leaders Al-Ittihad.
Jorge Jesus’ side come into the match full of confidence after a commanding 3-0 win over Al-Khaleej, while Al-Shabab were held to a goalless draw by Al-Okhdood in their last outing.
Hilal boast a strong record against Shabab, winning 19 of their 33 previous league meetings, with just five victories for Shabab and nine draws.
Hilal have scored 59 goals across those encounters, compared to Shabab’s 32, with their biggest win coming in the 2020–21 season — a 5-1 thrashing.
Jesus has a full squad at his disposal, including Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo.
Al-Shabab coach Fatih Terim is also boosted by the return of key players, including Ukrainian goalkeeper Heorhiy Bushchan, Belgian captain Yannick Carrasco, Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah, and Argentine midfielder Cristian Guanca.
Al-Hilal currently sit second in the table with 61 points, trailing Al-Ittihad by four points, while Al-Shabab are sixth with 50 points.
And later on Monday, attention shifts to Jeddah, where Al-Ittihad host Al-Ettifaq at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium, with kickoff at 9 p.m.
After suffering a surprise 2-0 defeat to Al-Fateh in the last round, Laurent Blanc’s Al-Ittihad will be desperate to return to winning ways and protect their lead at the top of the table.
Al-Ettifaq, meanwhile, arrive on the back of a 1-0 victory over Al-Riyadh and will be hoping to cause an upset.
Al-Ittihad have enjoyed the upper hand historically, winning 15 of the 29 previous league meetings, compared to seven wins for Al-Ettifaq, with seven matches drawn.
Ittihad have scored 53 goals in those fixtures, while Ettifaq have 32. Their most emphatic result came in the 2013–14 season, a 5-2 triumph for Ittihad.
With just five rounds remaining, every point is crucial. Al-Ittihad currently lead the standings with 65 points, while Al-Ettifaq are seventh with 40.
As the season enters its final stretch, Monday’s results could have a major impact on the destination of the league trophy.
