Al-Hilal vs Damac: prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 28.04.2026
Damac FC
One of the key fixtures of the Saudi Pro League's 30th round will take place on Tuesday at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, where local giants Al-Hilal host Damac. The home side are seeking a response after a painful AFC Champions League exit, while the visitors are desperate to pick up points in their battle to avoid relegation from the Pro League.
Match preview
Al-Hilal enter this clash with emotions running high after their AFC Champions League elimination, drawing 3-3 with Al Sadd before falling short in the penalty shootout. Now, Simone Inzaghi's men must quickly refocus on domestic ambitions, where they remain contenders for the league title and the Saudi King's Cup.
Domestically, the Riyadh side have been dominant: four wins and a draw from their last five league matches, and they remain unbeaten in this Pro League campaign. A major boost comes from the return of Malcom, who has recovered from a hamstring injury and is set to inject pace, sharpness, and creativity down the right flank in the final third.
Damac have managed to steer clear of the relegation zone this spring, but Fabio Carille's team can't afford to relax. Over their past six matches, the visitors have suffered just one defeat—a 0-3 loss to Al-Ahli—while picking up three wins and two draws. However, their cushion above the drop zone is a precarious three points.
Damac's main hope lies with Valentin Vada, who is in scintillating form with six goal involvements in his last five matches: four goals and two assists. Still, their away record remains a significant concern: just two wins in 14 away outings, five defeats in their last eight trips, and a run of seven consecutive away matches without a clean sheet.
Probable lineups
- Al-Hilal: Bono, Lajami, Al-Tambakti, Hernandez, Al-Harbi, Neves, Kanno, Milinkovic-Savic, Al-Dawsari, Madash, Benzema.
- Damac: Kevin, Bedran, Harkass, Sanusi, Al-Obaid, Vada, Hamed, Okita, Sylla, Arielson, Meite.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Al-Hilal remain unbeaten in the current Saudi Pro League season.
- In 14 previous meetings, Al-Hilal have beaten Damac nine times, with four draws and just one victory for Damac.
- In Riyadh, Al-Hilal have won six of seven home clashes against Damac, and the first meeting this season ended with a 2-0 victory for the hosts.
Prediction
Al-Hilal suffered a painful blow in Asia, but setbacks like this usually fire up a side of Inzaghi’s calibre for their next challenge. At home, the Riyadh club should seize the initiative from the opening whistle, and Malcom's return adds yet another threat to Damac's already vulnerable defense. The visitors have form, spirit, and the in-form Vada, so their attack can't be underestimated. However, their poor away record, frequent defensive lapses, and Al-Hilal’s overall superiority make a home win the most likely outcome.
