Al Hilal v Al-Faisaly: Saudi Pro League 2026-27 opener in Riyadh

Al Hilal host newly promoted Al-Faisaly at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on the opening matchday of the Saudi Pro League 2026-27. The contest arrives after Al Hilal lost last season’s title to Al Nassr on the final matchday.

Al Hilal finished second in each of the last two seasons and aim to reclaim the Saudi Pro League crown for the first time since 2024. The club has been active in the transfer market, signing Crysencio Summerville as a headline acquisition. Al-Faisaly earned promotion by finishing second in the second division and will be led by Giovanni Solinas. The source states that facing one of the biggest clubs in Asia will be a difficult task for Solinas’s side.

Recent form for both sides is noted in the source: Al Hilal’s sequence in all competitions reads L-W-W-W-D while Al Faisaly’s run is shown as W-W-W-W-W. Al Faisaly’s last defeat came in January against Al-Zulfi, and the club “concluded the last season in excellent form and have showcased their quality during the preseason friendlies as well.”

The report singles out Karim Benzema, describing the French striker as one of the greatest of the 21st century and saying he "has been remarkable ever since he arrived in the Saudi Pro League." It notes his high-profile move from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal last season and states he "has established himself as one of the best players of the Blues already," adding that his off-the-ball movement and link-up play help create chances for team-mates.

The article also refers to a Moldovan striker as a veteran who finished last season strongly, with four goals and an assist in his last five appearances. He is described as an "Anchor in the front line," occupying opposition defenders, operating as a goal poacher and positioning himself in the box to finish chances.

Team news lists Hamad Al-Yami, Salem Al-Dawsari and Hassan Tambakti as unavailable for Al Hilal, while Al Faisaly will be without Ibrahima Ndiaye, Jaber Issa and Mohammed Al-Shanqiti. The projected lineups provided in the source are: Bono(GK); Neves, Koulibaly, Al-Harbi; Mandash, Milinković-Savic, Kanno, Al-Dawsari, Hernández; Summerville, Benzema for Al Hilal, and Al Hasawi(GK); Barnawi, Silva, Girotto, Doshi; Oqil, Seoane; Bassogog, Hamza, Al Solan; Henrique for Al Faisaly.

Khel Now’s prediction for the fixture is Al Hilal 3-1 Al Faisaly. The match will be streamed live on FanCode in India, and the teams’ most recent meeting ended in a 2-1 victory for Al Hilal.