One of Saudi Arabia’s premier matchups is set for Friday, as reigning champions Al Hilal host Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr in a high-stakes clash.
Al Nassr entered the 2024-25 season with hopes of breaking their runner-up streak from the past two years. However, they’ve struggled to meet expectations, sitting third in the league, six points behind the leaders. Manager Stefano Pioli faced another setback this week as Al Nassr exited the King Cup of Champions, losing to Al Taawoun, a team positioned six spots below them in the league.
Meanwhile, Al Hilal have continued their dominant form from last season, maintaining a perfect record in the Saudi Pro League with eight wins in as many games, along with five straight cup victories. Jorge Jesus’ squad earned a decisive 4-1 win against Al-Tai midweek, advancing to the King Cup of Champions quarterfinals, even without leading scorer Mitrović in the lineup.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Al Nassr vs. Al Hilal live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Saudi Pro League match in the U.S.:
TV channel: Fox Soccer Plus
Live stream: Fubo
This game is available for live TV broadcast on Fox Soccer Plus in the United States. Streaming options are available on Fubo, which is currently offering a 7-day FREE trial.
For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $59.99, a $20 savings. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time does Al Nassr vs. Al Hilal kick off?
This Saudi Pro League clash takes place at the Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and kicks off on Friday, November 1 at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Fri, Nov. 1 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Fri, Nov. 1 | 1:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Fri, Nov. 1 | 12:00 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Fri, Nov. 1 | 11:00 a.m. |
Al Nassr vs. Al Hilal lineups, team news
Al Nassr remain without the services of playmaker Sami Al-Najei, who has missed the last 44 games due to a cruciate ligament injury.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be desperate to bounce back following his penalty miss last time out. The veteran Portuguese star has had an excellent season so far for Al Nassr, having already scored four goals in the league and should once again lead their frontline here.
Al Nassr predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Bento (GK) — Al Ghanam, Simakan, Laporte, Al-Najdi — Al-Khaibari, Otavio — Angelo, Talisca, Mane — Ronaldo.
Injured: Al Najei
Suspended: None
After being rested for Al Hilal’s recent King Cup of Champions victory over Al Tai, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Joao Cancelo, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic are all set to return to the starting lineup on Friday.
Mitrovic has been on fire this season, netting ten goals in eight matches, and he’ll once again lead the attack, joined by Malcom and Salem Aldawsari. In the engine room, Milinkovic-Savic will be a key player to keep an eye on, orchestrating play from the middle of the park.
After spending over a year sidelined by injury, Neymar finally made his comeback, featuring for the last 15 minutes of Al Hilal’s win over Al Ain. However, it’s unlikely he will play an extended role in this upcoming match.
For the Blue Waves, Yassine Bounou remains the only player unavailable due to injury, and his absence has been felt in recent games. Backup goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, who has been nursing a back injury, is reportedly close to full fitness and may be ready to take his place in the lineup this weekend.
Al Hilal predicted XI (4-3-3 right to left): Al-Owais (GK) — Cancelo, Koulibaly, Al Bulaihi, Lodi — Milinkovic-Savic, Neves, N Al Dawsari — Malcolm, Mitrovic, S Al-Dawsari.
Injured: Yassine Bounou
Suspended: None
Al Nassr vs. Al Hilal Prediction
Al Hilal currently leads the standings in first place, with Al Nassr following closely in third. Al Hilal has been in outstanding form, boasting an impressive streak of eight consecutive wins. Al Nassr, on the other hand, remains unbeaten in the tournament.
While Al Hilal is expected to have the slight upper hand, Al Nassr will enter the game like a wounded beast after their recent cup exit, making them a dangerous adversary not to be taken lightly. Fans from both sides can look forward to an exhilarating showdown.
- Prediction: Al Hilal 3-2 Al Nassr
Saudi Pro League fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Thursday, October 31
- Al Shabab vs. Al Wehda (10:50 a.m.)
- Al Okhdood vs. Al Orobah (11:10 a.m)
- Al Ittihad vs. Al Ahli (2:00 p.m.)
Friday, November 1
- Al Khaleej vs. Al Raed (10:35 a.m.)
- Damac vs. Al Riyadh (11:15 a.m.)
- Al Nassr vs. Al Hilal (2:00 p.m.)
Saturday, November 2
- Al Fateh vs. Al Fayha (10:35 a.m.)
- Al Taawoun vs. Al Kholood (10:55 a.m.)
- Al Ettifaq vs. Al Qadsiah (2:00 p.m.)
