Saudi Super Cup 2024: Al Hilal, Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Taawoun Set to Battle for Glory

The 2024 Saudi football season is set to kick off with the 11th edition of the Saudi Super Cup, featuring four of the Kingdom's top teams: Al Hilal, Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Taawoun. Hosted at the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium in Abha, this year's competition marks the return of the Super Cup as the season curtain-raiser, a position it last held in August 2018.

Unlike previous years, where the Saudi Super Cup was a one-off match, the tournament continues as a four-team event, a format first introduced in 2022. Al Hilal, the reigning champion, will be looking to defend its title after a successful 2023-24 season where they secured a domestic treble.

Al Hilal vs. Al Ahli - Tuesday, August 2024

Al Hilal enters the first semi-final against Al Ahli as the team to beat. After a record-breaking season, the Riyadh giants have had a relatively quiet summer, focusing on maintaining their strong core rather than bringing in new signings. Key players like goalkeeper Bono, center-back Kalidou Koulibaly, midfielders Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and striker Aleksandar Mitrovic will be crucial in their quest to add a fifth Saudi Super Cup title to their trophy cabinet.

Despite losing club captain Salman al-Faraj to NEOM SC and Neymar still recovering from a serious knee injury, Al Hilal's impressive pre-season form, including victories over Italian sides Como and Udinese, makes them the favorites.

On the other side, Al Ahli, led by Matthias Jaissle, is determined to upset the reigning champions. While they haven't made any significant signings, they still boast a formidable squad featuring Riyad Mahrez and Gabri Veiga. Although Ahli lost to Al Hilal in both Saudi Pro League encounters last season, their competitive spirit and solid pre-season performance in Austria suggest they won't be pushovers.

Prediction: Al Hilal's stability and experience should see them through to the final, although Al Ahli could make it a closely contested match.

Al Nassr vs. Al Taawoun - Wednesday, August 2024

Al Nassr, the Arab Club Champions Cup winners, will face Al Taawoun in the second semi-final. With Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane leading the charge, Al Nassr will be eager to start the season strong and make up for last year's domestic disappointments.

While Al Nassr has seen some key departures, including goalkeeper David Ospina, the arrival of Brazilian shot-stopper Bento offers reassurance. However, they will be without Otavio, who is still recovering from injury, and Talisca, who is also struggling with fitness issues. Despite an underwhelming pre-season, Al Nassr's firepower and experience should give them the edge against Al Taawoun.

Al Taawoun, under new coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena, enters the match with several new signings, including Saudi internationals Muteb al-Mufarrij and Sultan Mandash. While Arruabarrena is new to Saudi football, his extensive experience in the UAE and with the Emirati national team could help him navigate this challenge.

Prediction: Al Nassr's star power, even without key players, should be enough to overcome a newly restructured Al Taawoun side, setting up a final showdown with Al Hilal.

Conclusion:

The 2024 Saudi Super Cup promises thrilling action as Al Hilal, Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Taawoun battle for the first silverware of the season. With established teams facing off against ambitious challengers, fans can expect high-intensity football and possibly a few surprises along the way.