Al-Hilal vs Mamelodi Sundowns: Betting Preview & Prediction

While the result won’t define either club’s campaign, both managers will be keen to build momentum, improve fitness levels and fine-tune tactics ahead of the new season.

Al-Hilal, now coached by Simone Inzaghi, possess one of the strongest squads outside Europe and have already shown promising signs during their Austrian training camp. Sundowns, meanwhile, continue their European preparations under Miguel Cardoso after opening their tour with a hard-fought draw against Hertha Berlin.

Team News

Al-Hilal

Simone Inzaghi is expected to rotate his squad once again, but the Saudi champions still boast incredible attacking depth. Brazilian winger Malcom has looked sharp in pre-season, while striker Marcos Leonardo and midfield general Ruben Neves should also feature prominently.

Club captain Salem Al-Dawsari is unavailable through injury, while defender Hassan Al-Tambakti is also sidelined. New signing Crysencio Summerville is yet to join the squad and is not expected to feature.

Mamelodi Sundowns

Miguel Cardoso continues to integrate several new faces into his squad. Antonio van Wyk impressed on his debut against Hertha Berlin, while Iqraam Rayners remains Sundowns‘ main attacking threat after an excellent first season in Pretoria.

The Brazilians are also balancing football preparations with an emotional period following the passing of midfielder Jayden Adams, whose memory has been honoured throughout the Austrian tour.

Players to Watch

Malcom (Al-Hilal)

The Brazilian winger is capable of turning any match with his pace, creativity and eye for goal. With Al-Dawsari absent, Malcom is likely to carry much of Al-Hilal’s attacking responsibility.

Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal)

Neves dictates the tempo from midfield and his passing range allows Al-Hilal to dominate possession against most opponents.

Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Rayners has quickly become Sundowns’ most reliable finisher. His intelligent movement and clinical finishing make him the biggest threat on the counter-attack.

Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Mokoena will be key if Sundowns are to compete in midfield. His ball-winning ability and distribution could help the South African champions frustrate Al-Hilal’s possession game.

Betting Tips

Both Teams to Score – Yes

Both sides possess plenty of attacking quality, while pre-season matches generally produce open football as managers rotate players throughout the game.

Over 2.5 Goals

With wholesale substitutions expected after the interval, the game could open up significantly in the second half.

Malcom Anytime Goalscorer

The Brazilian winger has looked lively throughout pre-season and should enjoy plenty of opportunities against a Sundowns defence still building match fitness.

Prediction

Sundowns have enough quality to trouble Al-Hilal, particularly through Rayners and their quick transitions, but the Saudi club’s superior squad depth should prove decisive as the match progresses. You can bet on this encounter with Bet.co.za.

Prediction: Al-Hilal 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns