Al Hilal Riyadh vs Al Shabab Riyadh – Saudi Pro League Clash Preview
The Riyadh Derby returns as two fierce city rivals, Al Hilal and Al Shabab, lock horns in a high-voltage Saudi Pro League 2025 encounter. Scheduled for April 22, 2025, the match will kick off at 11:00 PM Bangladesh Time at the iconic Kingdom Arena.
Current Team Form
Al Hilal are in stellar form this season, sitting comfortably near the top of the Saudi Pro League table. With a squad packed with international stars like Malcom, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinković-Savić, and Kalidou Koulibaly, they’ve dominated most of their opponents.
On the other hand, Al Shabab might not boast the same depth, but they’ve been solid in their campaign. With strong performances from key players like Yannick Carrasco and Éver Banega, Al Shabab are looking to surprise their big brothers.
Head-to-Head
In the last five meetings, Al Hilal have emerged victorious three times, while Al Shabab have secured a single win with one match ending in a draw. However, in derby clashes, anything is possible.
Key Players to Watch
- Al Hilal: Malcom, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Yassine Bounou
- Al Shabab: Yannick Carrasco, Éver Banega, Guedes, Kim Seung-gyu
Probable Starting XIs
Al Hilal (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou
- Defense: Michael, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ali Al-Bulaihi, Saud Abdulhamid
- Midfield: Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Salem Al-Dawsari
- Attack: Malcom, Mitrovic, Al-Shehri
Al Shabab (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Kim Seung-gyu
- Defense: Hussain Qasim, Romarinho, Saeed Al Rubaie, Nasser Al-Dawsari
- Midfield: Éver Banega, Guedes
- Attack: Al-Karn, Thilo Kato, Salem Al-Dawsari
- Striker: Yannick Carrasco
Saudi Pro League 2024–25: Current Points Table (Top 6)
| Position | Team | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al Nassr | 28 | 22 | 3 | 3 | 69 |
| 2 | Al Hilal | 28 | 19 | 4 | 5 | 61 |
| 3 | Al Ahli | 28 | 18 | 3 | 7 | 57 |
| 4 | Al Ittihad | 28 | 16 | 6 | 6 | 54 |
| 5 | Al Taawoun | 28 | 16 | 5 | 7 | 53 |
| 6 | Al Shabab | 28 | 15 | 5 | 8 | 50 |
Final Thoughts
The Riyadh Derby is more than just a football match – it’s about passion, pride, and supremacy. Al Hilal may have the upper hand on paper, but Al Shabab are known for their resilience. One thing is certain: fans are in for a thrilling 90 minutes of top-tier Saudi football.