Al Hilal vs Al-Ettifaq: A Saudi Pro League Showdown
By Ademola Adediji | February 11, 2026
Al-Hilal, currently holding a slender lead in the Saudi Pro League, will host Al-Ettifaq at the Kingdom Arena on Friday. The stakes are high as Al-Hilal look to maintain their position at the summit, while Al-Ettifaq aims to close the gap on the top three.
Al-Hilal’s Title Defense Under Pressure
Al-Hilal has been dominant this season, securing victories in 15 of their 20 league matches. However, a recent dip in form has tightened the title race. A remarkable 13-game winning streak between September and January was halted by a series of draws against Al-Riyadh (1-1), Al-Qadsiah (2-2), and Al-Ahli (0-0), leaving fans anxious.
The arrival of Karim Benzema proved to be an instant boost, as the French superstar marked his debut with a stunning hat-trick in a 6-0 rout of Al-Okhdood. With Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr breathing down their necks – just one point behind – Al-Hilal can ill afford any further slip-ups.
Historically, Al-Hilal has enjoyed a commanding head-to-head record against Al-Ettifaq, boasting six wins in their last seven encounters. The Kingdom Arena has also been a fortress for the Blue Waves, with only one defeat in their last 12 home games.
Al-Ettifaq’s Pursuit of a Top-Three Finish
Al-Ettifaq enters this contest on the back of consecutive victories against Al-Taawoun (1-0) and Damac (2-0), seeking to achieve three consecutive league wins for the first time this season. Currently sixth in the table with 35 points, Saad Al-Shehri’s team trails the top three by 12 points, but with 14 fixtures remaining, their ambitions remain alive.
Despite a heavy 4-0 defeat to Al-Ahli in their last away match, Al-Ettifaq had previously enjoyed a strong run of form on the road, winning four consecutive matches before that setback.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Karim Benzema is expected to lead the line for Al-Hilal, supported by Malcom and Salem Al-Dawsari. Reports suggest Yassine Bounou is recovering from an injury but should be fit to start. Kalidou Koulibaly is expected to continue his role at the heart of the defense.
Al-Hilal possible starting lineup: Bounou; Al Yami, Koulibaly, Lajami, Hernandez; Milinkovic-Savic, Neves, N. Al-Dawsari; Malcolm, Benzema, S. Al-Dawsari
Al-Ettifaq has no reported injury concerns, and Saad Al-Shehri is likely to field the same starting XI from their previous outing. Marek Rodak will continue in goal, while Georginio Wijnaldum, the team’s leading scorer with 11 goals, is expected to feature prominently in midfield.
Al Ettifaq possible starting lineup: Rodak; Calvo, Hindi, Hendry, Al Otaibi; Costa, Medran, Ali, Wijnaldum; Al-Ghannam, Kouka
Prediction
This is a pivotal match for Al-Hilal, and a victory is crucial to solidify their position at the top of the standings. Al-Ettifaq, however, will be eager to close the gap on the top three. Expect a closely contested encounter, with Al-Hilal predicted to emerge with a 2-1 win.
For more in-depth data analysis, including potential results and scorelines, click here.
Written by Ademola Adediji
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