Preview: Al Hilal riding a runaway train, Al Hazm aiming for survival
Al Hilal arrive at Kingdom Arena in rock-solid form and with a statement to make. Sitting top of the Pro League after 12 matches, the Riyadh giants have not lost once this season: ten wins and two draws have produced 32 points, 32 goals scored and a sense of inevitability. Their recent run reads like a masterclass in consistency — five straight wins in December and a 2-0 victory over Damac FC on January 4 continue a sequence that includes 4-1 home demolition of Al Fateh and narrow wins away to Al Khaleej and Al Sharjah. That relentless form is reflected in the market, where bookmakers make Al Hilal overwhelming 1.12 favourites; the implied probability sits near 90%, and the data underpins that faith.
Al Hazm, by contrast, are battling on different terms. Eleventh in the table with 13 points from 12 games, their season has been patchy: three wins, four draws and five defeats, recent results offering glimpses — a 2-1 away win at Al Riyadh in late December and frustrating defeats such as the 2-1 loss to NEOM SC on January 4. They have scored just 11 times while conceding 17, and visiting Riyadh to face a side averaging over 17 shots per match and boasting 10 straight victories is a daunting task. Historically their last league meeting with Al Hilal ended 4-1, a reminder of the gulf that can open up on any given day.
Tactical outlook and key numbers
Al Hilal’s offensive machine is noticeable in the raw figures: 205 total shots this season, 93 on target and 32 goals overall, with a strong home record that includes five clean sheets. Their attacking averages — 106.75 overall attacks and 67.42 dangerous attacks — point to a side that dominates possession and territory. Al Hazm’s metrics tell a different story; 124 shots and 45 on target show they can create chances, particularly away where a higher percentage of their BTTS occurrences (71.43% away) suggests they’ll not fold quietly, but their defensive frailties (17 goals conceded) will be exposed by sustained pressure.
The head-to-head memory of a 4-1 scoreline from May 2024 still hangs in the air and provides psychological leverage for the home team. Recent individual match notes highlight Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as Al Hilal’s standout performer against Damac, while A. Sayoud earned plaudits even in defeat for Al Hazm — useful snapshots but not the whole story.
For readers wanting to refine their approach to markets, consider brushing up on broader strategy through resources like soccer betting tips and the choice of markets and practical bettor discipline via how to have emotional control when placing bets.
Betting suggestion: For a clear, data-driven pick in the 1X2 market, back Al Hilal to win. The team's unbeaten domestic run, superior attacking and defensive numbers, home advantage at Kingdom Arena and the bookmaker pricing (1.12) make the home victory the most probable outcome. Stake carefully and consider this a high-confidence selection rather than an invitation to overcommit.
