Al Shamal v Al Hilal preview — AFC Champions League Elite at Al Bayt on October 27

Al Shamal and Al Hilal will meet at Al Bayt Stadium on October 27 in a group-stage fixture of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026-27, with Al Shamal seeking a first win and Al Hilal aiming to extend a two-match winning start. The match is scheduled as part of the competition’s early group phase and will be played in Qatar.

Al Shamal, coached by David Prats and representing the Qatar Stars League, have drawn both of their opening group games, against Al Ittihad and Tractor, and remain without a victory in the Asian competition this season. Al Hilal, managed by Simone Inzaghi, arrive having won their first two group matches and carry momentum into the trip to Al Bayt. As hosts, Al Shamal will look to use the venue to their advantage while Al Hilal will attempt to maintain their positive run.

Al Shamal are listed to start with Seck (GK); Khidir, Suhail, Mari, Hassan; Benaissa, Silva; Mahrez, Assadalla, Ben Romdhane; Bounedjah. Baghdad Bounedjah is named as the sole striker for the Qatar side and is noted for scoring a crucial goal against Al Ittihad earlier in the campaign.

Al Hilal’s projected XI is Bono (GK); Mahzari, Al Tambakti, Koulibaly, Hernandez; Milinkovic-Savic, Neves, Al Dawsari; Martinelli, Watkins, Summerville. Gabriel Martinelli is expected to operate on the right flank and comes into the match on the back of a goal in a 3-2 Saudi Pro League win against Al Qadsiah.

Fitness concerns could affect Al Hilal’s selection, with Hamad Al Yami possibly forced to miss the game due to lack of fitness. The preview notes Al Shamal will be under pressure at home and assesses Al Hilal’s squad quality as giving them an edge in the fixture.

The publisher’s prediction for the match is a 4-0 win for Al Hilal (Al Shamal 0-4 Al Hilal). In Saudi Arabia the game will be available on beIN Sports and Al Kass, and viewers can also use FanCode to follow the contest.