Fri Oct 24 18:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Saudi ‘Al Clasico’ Heats Up as Al Ittihad Host Al Hilal Amidst Injury Concerns and Transfer Rumors

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Saudi Pro League’s answer to El Clasico arrives this Friday as defending champions Al Ittihad host rivals Al Hilal at the Al Inma Bank Stadium. Dubbed ‘Al Clasico’ by the league itself, the clash pits two of Saudi football’s giants against each other.

However, neither side has hit top form in the early stages of the 2025-26 season. Al Hilal, runners-up last year and boosted by the summer arrival of manager Simone Inzaghi alongside stars Theo Hernandez and Darwin Nunez, currently sit 4th in the league with three wins and two draws. Their AFC Champions League form has been stronger, highlighted by a dominant 3-1 victory over Al Sadd earlier this week.

Al Ittihad are struggling to find the form which saw them crowned league champions last season. Currently 5th, they have mirrored Al Hilal’s league record of three wins, a draw and a loss. Their Asian Champions League campaign has been rocky, with a 4-1 comeback victory over Al Shorta providing their first win in three games. Manager Laurent Blanc faces further pressure as he sweats on the fitness of star striker Karim Benzema, whose form has also dipped recently.

Adding further intrigue, the match takes place amidst a flurry of transfer rumors linking key players with moves away from the Saudi Pro League:

  • Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Europe? Al Hilal’s Serbian midfielder is reportedly being targeted by both Chelsea and Juventus, according to Corriere dello Sport.
  • Bruno Fernandes on Saudi Radar: Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is reportedly attracting interest from Saudi clubs ahead of the January transfer window.
  • Benzema Eyes Mourinho Reunion? Reports in Marca suggest new Benfica manager Jose Mourinho is keen to reunite with Karim Benzema at the Portuguese club.

On the Field:

Al Hilal boast the league’s best expected goals (xG) record at 15.73, but have only converted those chances into 15 actual goals. Al Ittihad is the most possession-heavy team in the SPL, averaging 7.8 passes per possession.

Team News:

Al Hilal will be without Joao Cancelo (hamstring), while Salem Al-Dawsari is doubtful with a hip injury.

Predicted Lineups:

  • Al Ittihad: Rajkovic; Simic, Al Mosa, Danilo Pereira, Mitaj; Kanté, Aouar, Fabinho; Diaby, Al-Shehri, Roger Fernandes.
  • Al Hilal: Bounou; Al Yami, Tombakti, Koulibaly, Hernandez; Neves, Al Dawsari; Kaio, Milinkovic-Savic, Kanno; Marcos Leonardo.

How to Watch:

The match will be broadcast on ESPN Africa across Sub-Saharan Africa and FanCode in India. Live updates can also be followed on ESPN.

  • Date: Friday, October 24
  • Time: 8:00 p.m. CAT (9:00 PM Saudi; 11:30 p.m. IST)
  • Venue: Al Inma Bank Stadium, Jeddah

TV Channels:
ESPN: DStv 218, StarTimes 248 and ESPN2: DStv 219, StarTimes 249

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