Al Hilal vs Al Nassr prediction 12.01.2026 | Saudi Pro League

Al Hilal’s dominance in Saudi football isn’t exactly new. Six league titles in the last ten seasons tells its own story. Still, this campaign didn’t begin smoothly. The Blue Waves looked slightly off pace early on, maybe distracted, maybe feeling the pressure of Al Nassr’s flawless start. Whatever the reason, that wobble didn’t last long.

Simone Inzaghi has his side purring now. Eighteen straight wins across competitions has dragged Al Hilal back to the summit, though the gap behind them remains slim.

Only four points separate first from second, therefore Monday night feels less like a routine league match and more like a statement game. Home form helps. Al Hilal have won two of their last three league fixtures at Kingdom Arena against Al Nassr, and that matters in a fixture this intense.

In attack, Marcos Leonardo has quietly become the main reference point. Seven league goals so far, and he’s expected to start alongside Malcom, who has chipped in with four.

Al Nassr’s season began at a ridiculous pace. Ten wins from the first ten league games, a record-setting run that looked borderline unfair. Ronaldo and the rest of the squad scored 33 goals while conceding just five during that stretch. Those numbers feel distant now, though.

The slide started with a 2-2 draw against Al Ettifaq. Then came a 3-2 loss to Al Ahli Saudi at the start of the month. Earlier this week, things somehow got worse as Jorge Jesus’ side were beaten 2-1 at home by Al Qadsiyah. Confidence hasn’t disappeared, but it’s certainly been dented.

There is some good news on the team sheet. Nawaf Boushal returns after serving a one-match ban for his red card against Al Ahli. On the downside, Sami Al-Najei is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, while Mohamed Simakan misses out due to a thigh problem.