Saudi Professional League talking points as Al Hilal and Al Nassr await grandstand title finale

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  • (Twitter/@Alhilal_FC).

    The title showdown between Riyadh giants headlines a Saudi Professional League decider laced with interest throughout the division.

    After 296 matches across eight months, much remains up for grabs. A solitary point separates leaders Al Nassr – gunning for a first top-flight success since 2014/15 – and holders Al Hilal. This battle, in turn, will have a strong bearing on the race for the remaining 2020 AFC Champions League berth between third-placed Al Shabab, resurgent King’s Cup winners Al Taawoun and managerless Al Ahli Jeddah.

    Further down, fallen giants Al Ittihad are, finally, safe from the dreaded drop. Only one of Al Qadsiah, Al Fayha and Al Hazem are guaranteed to feel the same way when the final whistle is blown.

    THE KINGDOM’S CROWN

    The hard work is done by Nassr, all that’s left is to creep over the line.

    For neighbours Hilal, the time has come to pray for an unexpected gift. The contrast in last opponents could not be starker.

    Nassr welcome relegated Batin, who they swatted aside 2-0 in October. They have also lost seven of their last eight matches.

    Some momentum has been found by Hilal under coach Pericles Chamusca, their third of the campaign. Charged-up Shabab, however, must triumph at King Saud University Stadium to guarantee ACL football for the first time since 2015.

    There have been several twists in this tale. Can we expect another?

    TAAWOUN’S JUST REWARD?

    A dream 2018/19 could yet leave a sour taste for Taawoun.

    Little was expected from 2017/18’s seventh-placed club. Under unheralded Al Ain target Pedro Emanuel, however, they have ended a 10-year trophy drought and are close to a second-ever ACL entry.

    Taawoun must now swat aside Al Faisaly and hope Hilal down Shabab. If not, last week’s frustrating goalless draw against the aforementioned side will linger throughout the long summer hiatus.

    TIGERS CLAW WAY BACK

    Disaster has been averted by Ittihad.

    There is, however, something still to play for. Jose Luis Sierra’s answering of February’s emergency call sparked a staggering revival that has, thus far, encompassed six wins, one draw and one loss to snatch SPL survival.

    A final flourish against bottom-placed Ohod will help show which players deserve to be retained for 2019/20’s climb up the standings.

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