HLL vs MCFC Match Details
Date: Monday, 23 October 2023
Time: 23:30 (IST)
Venue: King Fahd International Stadium, Riyadh
HLL vs MCFC Match Preview
Al-Hilal was able to bounce back from their shock 1-1 draw with Uzbek side Navbahor at home in their AFC Champions League opener by thrashing Nassaji Mazandaran 3-0 away in the second group game. However, both sides were down to 10 men in the first half itself with Al Faraj for the Saudi club shown a straight red for violent conduct. Al-Hilal was leading by a goal at that time and was able to take the victory with a comfortable margin. But they lost Brazilian star Neymar with a season-ending ACL injury while on international duty. This comes as a massive blow for the side and at a time when they are in superb form without lost a game this season, except Arab Club Champions Cup, in all competitions. They also sit atop their domestic league, leading by three points. Last season’s finalists are also first in the Champions League group and will hope to maintain their place with the remaining stars in their team. Even without Neymar Al-Hilal are a dangerous prospect and the visitors will know that.
Mumbai City FC will have to hope for a miracle in these two ties against Al-Hilal, first making the trip to Riyadh and then welcoming them to their city next month. The Islanders made their position more uncomfortable after suffering a 3-0 defeat in their trip to face Navbahor having already lost 2-0 to Nassaji back in India. It was Mumbai City’s own making again that cost them a game in the competition with Greg Stewart’s spot-kick saved while the score was 0-0 in the encouraging first half and then a total collapse after the break. Aside from the defensive mistakes, the lack of a finishing touch in the team will worry head coach Des Buckingham. Especially against a side carrying a five-game winning streak and is one of the competition’s finest. Mumbai City knows the gigantic task they have to turn things around, placed at the bottom of the group.
HLL vs MCFC Team News
Ruben Neves and Salem Al Dawsari will replace the suspended Al Faraj and the injured Neymar for Al-Hilal respectively. Otherwise, the starting eleven from their last game in the AFC Champions League will remain untouched.
Mumbai City will have to make tactical changes instead of forced ones as they have a fully fit squad available. El Khayati could come into midfield while Greg Stewart could push up taking the place of the striker Jorge Diaz who is misfiring at the continental level.
HLL vs MCFC Predicted Lineups
HLL: Mohammed Alowais; Mohammed Alburayk, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ali Albulayhi, Yasser Alshahrani; Milinkovic-Savic, Ruben Neves; Michael, Malcom, Al Dawsari; Aleksandar Mitrovic
MCFC: Phurba Lachenpa; Rahul Bheke, Rostyn Griffiths, Tiri, Akash Mishra; Apuia, Van Nieff, El Khayati; Lallianzuala Chhangte, Greg Stewart, Bipin Singh
HLL vs MCFC Dream11 Team Prediction
GK: Lachenpa (8)
DEF: Bheke (8.5), Koulibaly (8.5), Albulayhi (8)
MID: Al Dawsari (9), Milinkovic Savic (9), Apuia (8), Stewart (9)
FW: Chhangte (9) Aleksandar Mitrovic (9), Malcom (9)
Vice-captain: Greg Stewart or Malcom
Captain: Aleksandar Mitrovic
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