Al-Hilal and Pachuca are set to play their final match in the Club World Cup group stage. Simone Inzaghi`s Al-Hilal side currently sits third in Group H with two points, earned from two draws against Real Madrid (2-2) and RB Salzburg (0-0). The Saudi team needs a win to potentially advance, provided the Real Madrid vs. RB Salzburg match results in a decisive winner or a 0-0 draw. Pachuca, having lost their first two matches, are already eliminated from the tournament with zero points.
Match Details
Date: Thursday, June 26
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Location: Geodis Park — Nashville, Tennessee
Odds: Al-Hilal -170; Draw +320; Pachuca +400
Possible Lineups
Al-Hilal XI: Bono; Cancelo, Tambakti, Koulibaly, Lodi; Neves, N. Al-Dawsari; Malcom, Milinkovic-Savic, S. Al-Dawsari; Leonardo.
Pachuca XI: Moreno; Sanchez, Bauermann, Pereira, Gonzalez; Montiel, Palavecino; Dominguez, J. Kennedy, Kenedy; Rondon.
Player to Watch
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Al-Hilal — The Serbian midfielder previously worked with coach Simone Inzaghi at Lazio and is expected to play a crucial role in helping his teammates quickly adapt to the new coach`s tactical system. He is becoming a central figure for Inzaghi at Al-Hilal, and his performances are likely to reflect the strategic approach of the former Inter manager.
Storyline to Watch
Al-Hilal Making Improvements Under Inzaghi — While still early in Simone Inzaghi`s tenure, Al-Hilal has shown some initial changes. Across their first two games, they`ve averaged 53% possession and matched opponents with 42 shots taken. However, they registered fewer shots on target (six compared to 13). Salem Al Dawsari has been prominent creatively (five chances created, seven shots, 10 crosses), while Ruben Neves leads the team in passing volume (150 completed passes).
Prediction
Al-Hilal is favored to win against Pachuca. However, their progression in the tournament will heavily depend on the outcome of the other group stage match between Real Madrid and RB Salzburg.
Predicted Score: Al-Hilal 2, Pachuca 0.
