The match between Al Hilal and Al-Gharafa on 3 December 2024 in the AFC Champions League Elite promises to be an intriguing contest. Al Hilal, sitting comfortably in 2nd place with 13 points, will be eager to consolidate their position with a win against the 9th-placed Al-Gharafa, who have tallied just 4 points.
Al Hilal is this season’s bookmaker favorite with odds heavily in their favor at 1.16. The team has been in b form recently, reflected in their record of scoring first in 100% of their last 5 matches. Their top scorer, Aleksandar Mitrovic, is in excellent form, contributing significantly with 4 goals. Despite facing some injury concerns, with Neymar Jr. and Rúben Neves sidelined, their depth has been impressive.
Al-Gharafa, on the other hand, has struggled for consistency. Joselu, their leading scorer with 3 goals, will need to be at his best to challenge a resilient Al Hilal side. The away team’s tendency to concede 2 goals on average in recent games could be their Achilles’ heel.
Given the attacking prowess of Al Hilal and Al-Gharafa’s defensive vulnerabilities, the match is expected to see over 1.5 goals in the first half. Look out for early goals as Al Hilal aims to entertain their home crowd. The decision to retain Neymar indicates Al Hilal’s intent to boost their squad for the latter part of the season, adding an extra layer of excitement to this clash.
Al Hilal vs Al-Gharafa Prediction & Betting Tip
Based on the match analysis and performance metrics, we recommend the following betting tip:
| Al Hilal vs Al-Gharafa Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Over 1.5 goals in the 1st half | 2 |
- High scoring trend: Al Hilal consistently scores first and has a b offensive line, with an average of 2.20 goals in their last 5 games.
- Defensive vulnerabilities: Al-Gharafa concedes an average of 2 goals per match, which suggests early goals are likely.
- Home crowd motivation: Al Hilal will be motivated to impress their home crowd, pushing for a b start to secure an early lead.
These factors combined point towards an action-packed first half with multiple goals.
Al Hilal vs Al-Gharafa Odds
The odds for this AFC Champions League elite clash heavily favor Al Hilal, who are currently second in the standings. With an impressive track record, they’re tipped to secure a victory against ninth-placed Al-Gharafa.
Here’s a quick look at the betting odds:
| Al Hilal vs Al-Gharafa Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Al Hilal | 1.16 |
| Draw | 7.35 |
| Al-Gharafa | 11.85 |
Given Al Hilal’s formidable form and attacking prowess, particularly with Mitrovic leading the charge, it’s clear why the bookmakers have them as the firm favorites.
Al Hilal vs Al-Gharafa Live Streaming
The AFC Champions League Elite 2024-25 match between Al Hilal vs Al-Gharafa will be broadcast on the Sports18 Network and you can watch the live streaming on the FanCode app and website. The match will begin at 11:30 PM IST on Tuesday, December 03.
Al Hilal Team Analysis
Al Hilal Recent Performance WDLWW
Al Hilal has showcased impressive form in their recent games despite the challenges posed by injuries to key players like Neymar and Rúben Neves. Sitting second in the standings, they have proven their capability to bounce back bly.
Recent Form:
- Clean Sheets in the last 5 games: 1
- Average Goals Scored in the last 5 games: 2.20 Here’s a quick look at their recent results for the last 5 matches:
- Al Shabab | Al Hilal | 1-2 (Win) |
- | Al-Sadd | Al Hilal | 1-1 (Draw) |
- | Al Khaleej| Al Hilal | 3-2 (Loss) |
- | Al Hilal | Al-Ettifaq| 3-1 (Win) |
- | Al Hilal | Esteghlal | 3-0 (Win) |
- Their attacking play is evident, especially with Mitrovic leading the charge. Al Hilal has also done well to manage their defensive responsibilities, securing crucial points to maintain their top position.
Al Hilal Key Players
Al Hilal boasts some standout players who are likely to be crucial in their upcoming match against Al-Gharafa. Leading the pack is Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is currently the top scorer with 4 goals. Mitrovic’s strength, aerial prowess, and keen eye for goal make him a constant threat up front.
In midfield, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic offers creativity and physicality, orchestrating play and providing key passes to the forwards. At the back, Kalidou Koulibaly’s leadership and defensive acumen will be invaluable in keeping Al-Gharafa’s offense at bay.
Expected lineup for Al Hilal:
- Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou
- Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ali Al-Bulayhi, Renan Lodi
- Midfielders: Mohamed Kanno, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Mohammed Hamad Al Qahtani, Malcom, Salem Al-Dawsari
- Forward: Aleksandar Mitrovic
Key individual battles to watch include Mitrovic against Al Gharafa’s Seydou Sano, which could be pivotal in determining the outcome of the match.
Al Hilal Suspensions & Injuries
Al Hilal faces critical injury concerns ahead of their match against Al-Gharafa, which could impact their gameplay.
Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Al-Owais | Back injury | Doubtful |
| Neymar Jr | Hamstring injury | Mid December 2024 |
| Rúben Neves | Knee injury | Mid December 2024 |
Mohammed Al-Owais’s back injury leaves his availability in question, potentially weakening the depth in goalkeeping options. Neymar Jr and Rúben Neves, both out until mid-December, are significant absences.
Neymar’s absence is particularly notable given the club’s recent decision to retain him despite ongoing injuries. His creative prowess and experience will be missed on the field.
There are no suspensions for Al Hilal, ensuring that the rest of the squad remains at full strength for this critical match.
Al Hilal Tactics and Formation
- Write a relevant text about the “Al Hilal Tactics and Formation” using match details
- Create a tactical breakdown Al Hilal Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: Lately, Al Hilal has experimented with varied formation setups, such as the 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-2-1, adapting based on the opponent.
- Key Forward: Aleksandar Mitrovic, their top scorer with four goals, anchors the attack, consistently threatening the opposition’s defense.
- Midfield Trio: Mohamed Kanno, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and Mohammed Hamad Al Qahtani contribute significantly to both defense and attack, ensuring fluid transitions.
- Defensive Strength: Despite conceding in the last few matches, they have managed to maintain one clean sheet in their previous five games.
- Notable Strategy: They are known for scoring first in 100% of their matches this season, with a marked weakness in the 61-75 minute interval where they often concede goals. This mix of strategic flexibility and potent attacking options makes Al Hilal a formidable team in the AFC Champions League Elite.
Al-Gharafa Team Analysis
Al-Gharafa Recent Performance LWDWD
Al-Gharafa’s recent form has been a mixed bag, showcasing both resilience and inconsistency. Let’s delve into their last five matches:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Gharafa | Al Nassr FC | 1-3 (Loss) |
| Al-Gharafa | Al-Wakrah | 3-1 (Win) |
| Persepolis | Al-Gharafa | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Al-Gharafa | Al-Arabi | 3-1 (Win) |
| Al-Duhail SC | Al-Gharafa | 1-1 (Draw) |
However, Al-Gharafa has managed to score an average of 1.80 goals per game, demonstrating their capability to find the net. Nevertheless, their defense requires some tightening to improve their position in the standings.
Al-Gharafa Key Players
Expected lineup for Al-Gharafa:
- Goalkeeper: Sergio Rico
- Defenders: Seydou Sano, Wajdi Kechrida, Abdullah Yousif, Jamal Hamed
- Midfielders: Ferjani Sassi, Fabricio Diaz, Yacine Brahimi, Matias German Nani, Florinel Coman
- Forwards: Joselu
Joselu, the top scorer with 3 goals, will be a crucial player to watch. He’ll likely be up against Kalidou Koulibaly and Ali Al-Bulayhi, formidable defenders of Al Hilal. Florinel Coman, with his pace and agility, could cause problems for Renan Lodi on the flanks. Meanwhile, Sergio Rico at the back will need to be at his best to keep the marauding Aleksandar Mitrovic at bay.
Al-Gharafa Suspensions & Injuries
Al-Gharafa enters this crucial encounter with no reported suspensions or injuries, giving them a full squad to select from. However, the team’s inconsistency this season, reflected in their current 9th position, means they need to leverage every advantage. Having a fully fit squad could be a turning point.
Suspensions
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| None | – | – |
Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| None | – | – |
With key players like Joselu and Yacine Brahimi available, Al-Gharafa will look to pull off a surprise against the bookmaker favourites, Al Hilal.
Al-Gharafa Tactics and Formation
Al-Gharafa’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: Predominantly 4-2-3-1, though they’ve shown flexibility with a 4-3-3 in recent matches.
- Key Forward: Joselu, their top scorer with 3 goals, is crucial for breaking down defenses.
- Midfield Dynamics: Yacine Brahimi, Ferjani Sassi, and Fabricio Diaz form a robust midfield to both support the attack and shield the defense.
- Defensive Challenges: They’ve struggled defensively, conceding an average of 2 goals per game in their last five, which highlights their need to tighten up at the back.
Expect them to rely on quick transitions and the creative playmaking abilities of Brahimi to spring counter-attacks, targeting gaps in Al Hilal’s defense.
Al Hilal vs. Al-Gharafa Head-to-Head Statistics
The history between Al Hilal and Al-Gharafa showcases some intense encounters in the past. These teams have faced each other several times over the years, with results highlighting the competitive edge both teams bring to the pitch. Here’s a look at their last five meetings:
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Al Hilal | Al-Gharafa | 2-1 |
| Al-Gharafa | Al Hilal | 3-3 |
| Al Hilal | Al-Gharafa | 2-0 |
| Al-Gharafa | Al Hilal | 0-1 |
| Al-Gharafa | Al Hilal | 4-2 |
- Their most recent clash in 2012 saw Al Hilal secure a narrow 2-1 victory at home.
- Notably, their matches have often been close, including a high-scoring 3-3 draw in the same year.
- Historically, Al Hilal has had the upper hand, showcasing their defensive robustness and tactical discipline.
Overall, these head-to-head stats suggest a thrilling contest, with both teams having the potential to score and entertain.
