Martinelli and Summerville miss Al Hilal's first ever meeting with Al Shamal in the AFC Champions League Elite
Al Hilal can move to nine points in the AFC Champions League Elite West with a win over Al Shamal at Al Bayt Stadium, where the two clubs meet for the first time. The Saudi leaders are without Gabriel Martinelli, Crysencio Summerville and the rested Mutaib Mahzari, while Al Shamal report a fully fit squad.
Al Hilal arrive in Al Khor for round 3 having won both of their opening games, 2-1 against Al Gharafa and 2-0 against Al Sadd. Victory would take Simone Inzaghi's side to nine points. Al Shamal have drawn both of their games so far and sit 10th with 2 points.
A long winning run and a squad deep enough to cover for Martinelli and Summerville should carry Al Hilal past an Al Shamal side still without a win in Asia, on a lopsided night at Al Bayt with plenty of goals flowing one way and the hosts kept off the scoresheet.
Al Hilal are short in attack. Martinelli scored at Al Qadsiah before going off in the 49th minute with a hamstring injury and has been left out of the squad, while Summerville is suspended and Mahzari has been rested. Hamad Al Yami is doubtful with a knee-cap injury. Inzaghi said after that game that some players were tired and would be checked. Khel Now reports that Al Shamal have all their players fit and available.
The form lines run in opposite directions. Al Hilal top the Saudi Pro League, two points clear of Al Qadsiah and Al Nassr, and are on a six-game winning run, most recently a 3-2 win at Al Qadsiah. Al Shamal, 6th in the Qatar Stars League, have not won in their last four and lost 3-2 to Qatar SC last weekend, after a 4-0 home defeat by Al Duhail at this ground ended their unbeaten start to the league season.
There is no history between the clubs, with Khel Now calling this the first ever game between them. Al Hilal have not lost any of their last 10 games against Qatari clubs, and although they have won the Asian Champions League more times than any other club, they have not won it since 2021.
