Clash of Titans: NEOM SC Faces Unstoppable Al-Hilal

The Saudi Pro League continues to deliver high-stakes drama, and Gameweek 16 brings a stark contrast in fortunes as mid-table NEOM SC prepares to host the seemingly invincible league leaders, Al-Hilal. Scheduled for January 18, 2026, at the King Khalid Sports City Stadium, this fixture pits a struggling home side against a dominant force aiming to cement their supremacy.

The Formidable Challenge Facing NEOM SC

For NEOM SC, managed by Christophe Galtier, the immediate focus is survival and stability. Entering this contest, the team is reeling from two consecutive losses and desperately needs a result to halt their slide. Currently positioned 10th with 20 points after 14 matches, NEOM SC is under pressure to improve its standing.

Defensive Woes Plague the Hosts

Perhaps the most alarming statistic for NEOM SC is their porous defense. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 12 fixtures across all competitions—a worrying trend against any opponent, let alone the league's elite. Conceding 23 goals in the league places them among the worst defensive records in the division. Furthermore, recent home form has been uninspiring, with only one win, four losses, and one draw in their last six matches on home turf.

Al-Hilal: The Juggernaut Rolls On

If NEOM SC is struggling, Al-Hilal is operating on a different plane entirely. Simone Inzaghi’s side arrives in Riyadh chasing a remarkable 20th consecutive victory in all competitions. This pursuit of perfection underscores their current dominance in the Saudi Pro League.

Road Warriors Aiming for Eleven Straight Away Wins

Al-Hilal’s away form is equally staggering. They have secured 10 straight wins on the road, and a victory here would mark an 11th consecutive success away from home. Their offensive firepower is clearly evident, having netted 38 goals in just 14 league outings—second only to Al Nassr. On the defensive end, they have been equally astute, conceding a mere 13 goals all season.

With a comfortable seven-point cushion separating them from second-placed Al Nassr, Al-Hilal's primary objective remains widening the gap to ensure the title race remains firmly under their control.

Team News and Expected Lineups

Both sides are contending with important absences heading into this crucial fixture, forcing tactical adjustments from both managers.

NEOM SC Injury Concerns

Coach Galtier faces significant personnel issues. Goalkeeper Marcin Bulka remains sidelined with a long-term anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Midfielder Abbas Al Hassan is also unavailable, not expected to return to full fitness until August. These absences will test the depth and resilience of the mid-table side.

NEOM SC Possible Starting Lineup: Maximiano; Abdi, Zeze, Hegazy, Al Dawsari; Benrahma, Al Asmari, Kone, Rodriguez; Bouabre, Lacazette.

Al-Hilal Squad Updates

The visitors will be without key defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who is currently representing Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). In terms of attacking options, Marcos Leonardo, who has contributed seven goals, might start from the bench after featuring as a substitute in a recent high-profile match. The attacking threat remains potent, however, with Portuguese international Ruben Neves proving influential with six goals, and Darwin Nunez also boasting six strikes to his name.

Al-Hilal Possible Starting Lineup: Al Rubaie; Tambakti, Neves, Al Harbi; Al Yami, Milinkovic-Savic, N. Al Dawsari, Hernandez; Malcom, Nunez, S. Al Dawsari.

Prediction: A Formidable Test for the Hosts

The overwhelming evidence points toward an Al-Hilal victory. Their relentless form, superior goal-scoring metrics, and staunch defense create a nightmare scenario for a NEOM SC side struggling for consistency and defensively vulnerable. While Galtier will undoubtedly try to organize his team to frustrate the league leaders, Al-Hilal’s array of attacking talent, including the likes of Nunez and Malcom, suggests they will find a way through.

We anticipate Al-Hilal will continue their historic run. The expectation is a commanding performance that sees the gap at the top of the table maintained or extended. Our prediction leans towards a comfortable win for the visitors, capitalizing on NEOM SC's defensive frailties.

Our Prediction: NEOM SC 0-3 Al-Hilal.