Saudi ‘Clasico’: Mitrovic vs Benzema as Al Hilal hosts Al Ittihad in top-of-the-table

Mitrovic, Benzema to face off in Saudi ‘Clasico’

Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema will face off against ex-Newcastle United forward Aleksandar Mitrovic when Al Ittihad hosts Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday.

The match, which is being billed as the ‘Saudi Clasico’, is a top-of-the-table clash between the two most successful clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Al Hilal are the defending champions and have won the league a record 18 times, while Al Ittihad are the second most successful club in the country with eight titles.

Benzema and Mitrovic in fine form

Both Benzema and Mitrovic have been in fine form this season, with the Frenchman scoring 11 goals in 12 league appearances for Al Ittihad.

Mitrovic, meanwhile, has scored 9 goals in 11 games for Al Hilal.

The match is expected to be a close affair, with both teams looking to make a statement in the title race.

Al Hilal slight favorites

Al Hilal will be the slight favorites heading into the match, but Al Ittihad will be confident of causing an upset.

The match will be played at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh and will be televised live on SSC Sports.

Match preview and team news

Al Hilal will be without injured midfielder Gustavo Cuellar, while Al Ittihad are expected to have a full squad to choose from.

The match is expected to be a tight affair, with both teams looking to take all three points.

Al Hilal will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table, while Al Ittihad will be looking to close the gap.

Key players to watch

Key players to watch in the match include:

• Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad)
• Aleksandar Mitrovic (Al Hilal)
• Salem Al-Dawsari (Al Hilal)
• Romarinho (Al Ittihad)

The match is expected to be a close affair, with both teams looking to take all three points.

Prediction

Al Hilal are the slight favorites heading into the match, but Al Ittihad will be confident of causing an upset.

I predict that the match will end in a 2-2 draw.