Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli set for Roshn League showdown

Al-Hilal unveils England striker Ollie Watkins.

RIYADH, Aug 31: Kingdom Arena will host a highly anticipated clash between Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli today in the third round of the 2026-27 Saudi Roshn League.

Al-Hilal enters the encounter with nine points from three matches and will be eager to end their recent winless run against Al-Ahli. The two sides have met five times recently, with Al-Ahli winning twice and three matches ending in draws.

The Blues have made an impressive start to the campaign, particularly in attack, while Al-Ahli will be looking to bounce back after dropping points in its previous outing against Al-Kholood.

Al-Hilal has also strengthened its attacking options with the signing of England striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa on a three-year deal. Watkins missed Villa’s 4-0 defeat to Brighton in its Premier League opener and was also absent from their UEFA Super Cup defeat by Paris Saint-Germain.

Watkins joined Aston Villa from Brentford in 2020 and went on to make 278 appearances in all competitions, scoring 108 goals.

Meanwhile, Al-Hilal captain Salem Al-Dawsari has returned to the club’s headquarters to continue his rehabilitation after missing around six weeks with a hamstring injury.

Al-Dawsari recently underwent surgery on his hamstring tendons and has been working through an individual rehabilitation program. The club posted a video showing the winger back at its facilities as he entered a new stage of his recovery.

The Saudi international is expected to return after the upcoming international break, provided his rehabilitation progresses without complications. He would then gradually regain match fitness before being reintegrated into the first-team squad.