Al-Hilal to regain top spot.. and Al-Nassr faces Al-Faisaly

Al Hilal seek to reclaim the top spot in the Saudi Pro League as they host league leaders Al Qadsiah today in Matchday 11, while defending champions Al Nassr lurk in pursuit, aiming to close the gap on first place. Al Hilal, who have a match in hand, hope to secure their ninth victory and regain the summit from Al Qadsiah, who currently lead them by a single point. Their Italian manager, Simone Inzaghi, said after a last-minute 1-0 win over Al Hazem: “We will travel to Dammam to face Al Qadsiah, and we will likely remain there before departing for Doha to play in the AFC Champions League Elite.” Al Hilal travel to face Qatari side Al-Shamal on Tuesday in Matchday 3 of the West Group of the Champions League, aiming for a third consecutive win. The “Emir” side failed to beat Al Qadsiah in their last two encounters, drawing 2-2 in both legs last season. Al Qadsiah’s Northern Irish manager, Brendan Rodgers, expressed his “pride” in his team following their recent victory over Al-Taawoun. Al Qadsiah, in turn, host Qatari visitors Al Sadd on Monday, hoping for a second win against a side that has not tasted victory in their last four matches across all competitions. Meanwhile, Al Nassr target a fourth consecutive win in all competitions after narrowly defeating Neom 1-0 on Tuesday, a match in which their Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty before the goal. If they beat hosts Al-Faisaly, Al Nassr will move top regardless of the outcome of the Al Qadsiah-Al Hilal clash, as they trail the leaders by just three points. Al Nassr previously thrashed Al-Faisaly 4-0 in their last meeting. Al-Faisaly have managed only one win in their last ten matches across all competitions. Ronaldo will play alongside his teammates against UAE side Al-Wahda in Matchday 3 of the Champions League, seeking a second consecutive victory against a team that has yet to earn any points. Al Ittihad host Al Diriyah today, while Neom face Abha tomorrow. Additionally, Al Khaleej play Al Ittihad, Al Riyad face Al Taawoun, and Al Hilal take on Al Nassr.