Al Hilal vs Al Gharafa: Al Hilal hosts Al Gharafa in a pivotal AFC Champions League group-stage clash at the Kingdom Arena. While Al Hilal boasts an unbeaten record in the competition, Al Gharafa struggles near the bottom of the standings, desperately needing a win to keep their hopes alive. The home side will look to capitalize on their stellar form and maintain their dominance, while Al Gharafa seeks to upset one of Asia’s football giants.

Head-to-Head Overview

• Total Matches Played (Last 7 Years): 1
  • Al Hilal Wins: 1
  • Draws: 0
  • Al Gharafa Wins: 0
• Last Meeting:
  • Date: February 3, 2024 (Friendly)
  • Result: Al Gharafa 1–2 Al Hilal

Al Hilal holds a psychological edge with a win in their only recent encounter, backed by their rich form and history in the competition.

Standings

• Al Hilal: 3rd in Group, 13 points (4W, 1D, 0L, +11 GD)
• Al Gharafa: 9th in Group, 4 points (1W, 1D, 3L, -4 GD)

While Al Hilal has already secured qualification to the knockout stage, they aim to top the group. Conversely, Al Gharafa has an uphill battle to avoid early elimination.

Al Hilal vs Al Gharafa Lineups

Al Hilal:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Players:
  • Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou
  • Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Kalidou Koulibaly
  • Midfielders: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Salem Al Dawsari
  • Forwards: Aleksandar Mitrovic, Malcom

Al Gharafa:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Players:
  • Goalkeeper: Sergio Rico
  • Defenders: Seydou Sano, Wajdi Kechrida
  • Midfielders: Ferjani Sassi, Fabricio Diaz
  • Forwards: Yacine Brahimi, Joselu

Key Stats

1. Al Hilal has won 33 consecutive home matches across all competitions.
2. Al Gharafa has conceded at least one goal in their last 18 matches.
3. Al Hilal has scored in 86 consecutive games.
4. Al Hilal averages 2.71 goals per home match, while Al Gharafa averages 1.5 goals away.
5. In their last meeting, Al Hilal edged Al Gharafa with a 2-1 victory.
6. Al Gharafa has failed to beat Al Hilal in their last 5 encounters (0W, 1D, 4L).
7. Al Hilal scores 31% of their goals between the 31st and 45th minute.
8. Al Gharafa has won only one match in the current AFC Champions League campaign.
9. Al Hilal’s defensive line has yet to concede at home this season.
10. Al Hilal wins 58% of halftimes compared to Al Gharafa’s 21%.

Al Hilal vs Al Gharafa Prediction

Given their imperious home record and superior squad depth, Al Hilal enters as overwhelming favorites. Al Gharafa’s defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistent form make an upset highly unlikely. Expect Al Hilal to dominate possession and create numerous chances.

Predicted Score: Al Hilal 3–0 Al Gharafa

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