All eyes of football fans in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world are on the Kingdom Arena, where Al-Hilal's first team is preparing to host their traditional rivals, Al-Ittihad, in a highly anticipated match as part of the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League. This match comes amidst great public anticipation due to the importance of the three points in both teams' pursuit of the title.

Absences due to technical decisions and injuries disrupt Inzaghi's plans

The Al-Hilal coaching staff, led by Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, significant challenges ahead of the Clasico, with the confirmed absence of several key players. Among the absentees is Marcos Leonardo, the match against Al-Ittihad. This decision was made by Inzaghi, who opted to exclude Leonardo from the squad due to his continued individual training and failure to reach the required fitness level for a match of this magnitude.

Meanwhile, doubts have grown regarding Theo Hernandez's in the upcoming match. Although the player took part in part of the team's training session today, his physical condition is not yet at 100%. Simone Inzaghi is expected to make a final decision on Hernandez's participation within the next few hours, with strong indications suggesting he will either be absent or on the bench to avoid aggravating any muscle injury.

A morale boost with Malcolm's return

Amid these absences, Al-Hilal fans received welcome news with the confirmation that Brazilian star Malcom Felipe for selection. The player has shown a full recovery from the injury that recently sidelined him from group training in recent days. Malcom's return is a significant boost for coach Inzaghi, given his exceptional ability to make a difference in big matches and the diverse attacking options he offers, which the team needs to unlock Al-Ittihad's defense.

The importance of El Clásico and its impact on the league race

This match holds strategic importance that transcends the mere three points at stake; the Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ittihad encounter represents the "Saudi Arabian football classic," attracting widespread regional and international attention. Historically, matches between these two teams have been crucial in determining the league title race, with each side striving to assert its dominance and delight its fans.

From a tactical standpoint, these absences will be a true test of Al-Hilal's squad depth and Inzaghi's ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances against a formidable opponent like Al-Ittihad. A victory in this match would significantly boost the team's chances of competing for the Roshan League title, while any setbacks could complicate matters in the remaining rounds of the season.

Saudi football fans are gearing up for a highly anticipated clash as Al-Ittihad's Portuguese coach, Sergio Conceição, puts the finishing touches on his starting lineup for the match against arch-rivals Al-Hilal. This highly anticipated encounter, part of the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League, will be held at the Kingdom Arena, Al-Hilal's new home ground, adding a special layer of excitement to the derby.

Significant changes in the Dean's back line

According to sources close to Al-Ittihad, coach Conceição has decided to make significant tactical and personnel changes, particularly in defense, to neutralize Al-Hilal's potent attack. The most notable change is the return of the solid defender Ahmed Sharahili to the starting lineup at the heart of the defense, forming a strong partnership with professional player Danilo Pereira. This return aims to bolster the defensive solidity that the Portuguese coach seeks in such high-stakes matches.

In a related context, the technical staff will rely on Hassan Kadash to occupy the left-back position, in a move aimed at compensating for the absence of player Mario Metai from this crucial match, while Muhannad Al-Shanqiti retains his position on the right flank.

Al-Ittihad's expected lineup for the Al-Hilal match

It is expected that "Al-Ittihad" will enter the Clasico match with a balanced formation that combines defensive solidity with a powerful attacking force, consisting of the following names:

• Goalkeeper: Bridge Rajkovic.
• Defense line: Muhannad Al-Shanqiti, Danilo Pereira, Ahmed Sharahili, Hassan Kadash.
• Midfield: Fabinho Tavares, Houssem Aouar, Mohamedou Doumbia.
• Attackers: Moussa Diaby, Steven Bergwijn, Youssef En-Nesyri.

A morale boost and the importance of El Clásico

Al-Ittihad enters this match with extremely high morale, drawing strength from their recent resounding victory at the continental level. The team triumphed over Qatari side Al-Sadd with a score of 4-1 in the AFC Champions League, a win that restored confidence to both the fans and the players.

The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ittihad match holds strategic importance that transcends the mere three points; it represents a historic struggle for supremacy and directly impacts the shape of the competition at the top of the Saudi League standings. Conceição aims to exploit the attacking prowess of the trio Diaby, Bergwijn, and En-Nesyri to break Al-Hilal's dominance at their home ground and secure a victory that would mark a significant turning point in the team's season.

Football fans eagerly await the kickoff of a series of exciting matches on Friday , a day packed with crucial encounters across various domestic and international competitions. Friday is always considered the weekly footballing extravaganza for fans, a day that blends the excitement of local rivalries with the magic of European football.

Saudi Roshan League: The battle for points and positions

The matches of the Roshan Professional League the attention of the sporting public, especially given the tremendous development the competition has witnessed and the significant support that has made it a focus of global attention. Today's round features highly competitive matches, as the established Al-Shabab club seeks to reaffirm its strong presence, while Al-Qadisiyah looks to recapture its former glory. Matches involving mid-table teams like Al-Taawoun, Al-Fayha, and Damac offer a genuine opportunity to improve their positions in the standings, adding a fierce competitive edge to every minute of play.

Here is the schedule of Roshan League matches for today:

• Al-Akhdoud vs. Al-Qadisiyah (10:00 PM)
• Al-Taawon vs. Al-Fayha (10:00 PM)
• Damac vs Al Shabab (10:00 PM)

Yellow League: The Gateway to the Spotlight

Meanwhile, the Yelo First Division League exciting, considered the toughest and most important hurdle for teams aspiring to promotion to the professional league. Today's matches feature fierce competition between historically strong clubs like Al-Faisaly, Al-Tai, and Abha, and ambitious clubs like Al-Ula and Al-Zulfi. These matches are of paramount importance due to the close points standings and each team's desire to secure an early promotion spot or escape the relegation zone.

Yellow League match schedule:

• Al-Ula vs. Al-Ta'i (9:45 PM)
• Al Arabi vs Abha (9:45 PM)
• Al-Zulfi vs. Al-Faisaly (9:45 PM)
• Al-Diriyah vs. Al-Oruba (9:45 PM)

European and global confrontations

Internationally, the major European leagues kick off with opening matches of the round, with fans eagerly anticipating clashes in La Liga and other top leagues. These matches offer an opportunity to watch global football stars and assess the teams' form before the start of continental competitions.

The most prominent international matches scheduled for today:

• Spanish League: Athletic Bilbao vs Elche (11:00 PM)
• Spanish League: Sassuolo (10:45 PM)
• German League: Stade Brestois vs. Marseille (10:45 PM)