Al-Hilal is set to face Pachuca in their final fixture of the Club World Cup group stage. Coach Simone Inzaghi`s squad currently occupies third place in Group H, having secured two points from two draws. Their previous matches ended 2-2 against Real Madrid and 0-0 against RB Salzburg. The Saudi team has a chance to advance with a victory, provided the other match in the group between Real Madrid and RB Salzburg results in a definite winner or a 0-0 draw. Pachuca, on the other hand, is already out of the tournament after losing their initial two games.
Match Information
The match is scheduled for Thursday, June 26, at 9 p.m. ET. It will take place at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee. According to available odds, Al-Hilal is listed at -170, a draw at +320, and Pachuca at +400.
Possible Lineups
Below are the potential starting lineups for both teams:
- Al-Hilal XI: Bono; Cancelo, Tambakti, Koulibaly, Lodi; Neves, N. Al-Dawsari; Malcom, Milinkovic-Savic, S. Al-Dawsari; Leonardo.
- Pachuca XI: Moreno; Sanchez, Bauermann, Pereira, Gonzalez; Montiel, Palavecino; Dominguez, J. Kennedy, Kenedy; Rondon.
Player to Watch
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Al-Hilal — The Serbian midfielder, who previously played under Simone Inzaghi at Lazio, is expected to be crucial in helping his new teammates quickly grasp the coach`s tactical approach. Milinkovic-Savic is becoming a central figure for Inzaghi at Al-Hilal, and his performances are likely to closely reflect the strategies of the former Inter manager.
Storyline to Watch
Al-Hilal`s Progress Under Inzaghi — While it`s still early in Simone Inzaghi`s tenure, signs of his influence are emerging. Al-Hilal has maintained an average of 53% possession and matched their opponents with 42 shots across their first two group games. However, they have registered fewer shots on target (six compared to 13 for opponents). Salem Al Dawsari has been a key offensive player, leading the team in chances created (five), shots (seven), and crosses (10), slightly behind Ruben Neves (14 crosses). Neves himself stands out with 150 completed passes, significantly more than any other player on the team (57 more than the next highest).
Prediction
Al-Hilal is anticipated to win against Pachuca. However, their fate in the tournament hinges primarily on the outcome of the other Group H match between Real Madrid and RB Salzburg. Prediction: Al-Hilal 2, Pachuca 0.
