Al-Hilal Riyadh vs Al-Najma Unaizah: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – March 6, 2026
Al Najma
One of the fixtures of Saudi Pro League Matchday 25 is set for Friday at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, where local powerhouse Al-Hilal will host Al-Najma from Unaizah. Let's dive into the possible outcome of this clash between one of the main title contenders and the league’s biggest underdog this season.
Match preview
Simone Inzaghi’s squad is cruising through the season almost flawlessly and remains the league’s only unbeaten team. However, in recent weeks, Al-Hilal has been sharing points more often – winning just four of their last ten matches across all competitions, with six ending in draws. Still, they put on a show in the previous league round, defeating Al-Shabab away 5-3 in a thrilling encounter.
Despite this unbeaten streak, the "leaders" currently sit third, trailing the top spot by just three points. Inzaghi boasts a formidable attacking trio – Malcom, Marcos Leonardo, and Milinković-Savić – while the defense is anchored by Koulibaly and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, making the team one of the most solid at the back in the league.
Al-Najma, meanwhile, are experiencing a season at the opposite end of the spectrum. The Pro League newcomers have struggled to adapt to the top-flight level, and a coaching change in February only partially revitalized the squad: Nestor El Maestro’s debut was marked by a win over Al-Kholood (2-1), but that was followed by three straight defeats with an aggregate score of 2-12. In their latest outing, the club lost 1-3 at home to Al-Okhdood.
It’s been especially tough for the "Unaizah Star" on the road. Al-Najma haven’t won away since May last year, suffering ten defeats in 13 away matches this season. Against this backdrop, even scoring in their recent 1-4 loss to Al-Ahli was an event – it snapped a goalless drought that lasted over five hours of play.
Probable lineups
- Al-Hilal Riyadh: Bounou, Hernandez, Lajami, Koulibaly, Al-Harbi, Neves, Al-Dawsari, Milinković-Savić, Kanno, Malcom, Leonardo.
- Al-Najma Unaizah: Braga, Havsawi, Al-Khalil, Samir, Alsubaie, Butobba, Emad Dunga, Rodrigues, Tijanić, Cardoso, Vinicius Marques.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Al-Hilal are unbeaten in this Saudi Pro League season and have gone over ten matches without defeat across all competitions.
- Al-Najma have won just three of their 13 away games this season, suffering ten losses.
- Al-Hilal are unbeaten against Al-Najma in their last six head-to-heads – four wins and two draws.
Prediction
The gulf in class is hard to ignore. Al-Hilal boast one of the strongest squads in the league and consistently dominate at home, while Al-Najma are struggling badly both defensively and in attack. Even considering Al-Hilal’s recent tendency to draw, the hosts should be in firm control. If they convert even a fraction of their chances, the match could be all but settled by halftime.
