Al-Hilal and Pachuca are set to face each other in their final match of the Club World Cup group stage. Simone Inzaghi`s Al-Hilal side is currently positioned third in Group H, having accumulated two points from two draws in their initial games against Real Madrid (2-2) and RB Salzburg (0-0). The Saudi team holds a chance to advance to the next round if they secure a win against Pachuca and if the other group match between Real Madrid and RB Salzburg concludes with a definitive winner or a 0-0 draw. In contrast, Pachuca`s hopes in the tournament are already dashed, as they stand eliminated with zero points after their first two matches.
How to Watch & Odds
- Date: Thursday, June 26 | Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Location: Geodis Park — Nashville, Tennessee
- Live stream: Watch on DAZN (for free)
- 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 has a history of working with coach Simone Inzaghi from their time together at Lazio. He is expected to play a crucial role in integrating the new coach`s tactical concepts among his teammates quickly. Consequently, Milinkovic-Savic is becoming a central figure under Inzaghi at Al-Hilal, and his on-field performances will likely offer insights into the tactical direction set by the former Inter manager.
Storyline to Watch
Al-Hilal`s progress under Inzaghi: It is still early to fully assess the impact of Simone Inzaghi on the team, but there are initial indicators. Across their two matches, Al-Hilal has maintained an average of 53% possession and matched their opponents with a total of 42 shots. However, they have registered fewer shots on target (six compared to their opponents` 13). Salem Al Dawsari has been particularly influential in attack, leading the team with five chances created, seven shots, and 10 crosses. Ruben Neves also stands out, not only with 14 crosses but significantly topping the team in completed passes with 150, which is 57 more than any other player.
Prediction
Al-Hilal enters the match as the favored side to secure a victory against Pachuca. Nevertheless, their qualification for the next phase of the tournament hinges critically on the outcome of the other group stage fixture between Real Madrid and RB Salzburg.
Pick: Al-Hilal 2, Pachuca 0
Dominic Ashworth