Al Hilal look firm favorites for the SPL title this time around. Their closest challengers, Al Nassr with Cristiano Ronaldo sit 10 points behind although having played an extra game. Yet, the gulf in quality between the top 2 teams was revealed in their previous encounter where Al Hilal thrashed Ronaldo & Co with a 3-0 scoreline. Yet, recently, a former Al Hilal player turned heads with his statement as he claimed Al Ittihad was Al Hilal’s main competitor.

Al Hilal’s last defeat came in August in the Arab Club Champions Cup. Since then, they have been on a rampage and the injury to Neymar hasn’t affected their form. Hence, it seems reasonable that people are counting on Al Ittihad, the defending champions to cause the biggest problem to Al Hilal.

Al Ittihad and not Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr to challenge Al Hilal

This is the view of the former Al Hilal goalkeeper Muhammad Al-Deay. He said, “Only Al-Ittihad is a real competitor to Al-Hilal.” An interesting claim considering the seasons both teams are having. Karim Benzema’s side sits 5th in the points table and has accumulated just 28 points in 16 games. Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr have 37 points from 16 games and sit 2nd behind the league leaders.

Also, Al Ittihad’s recent form has not been impressive at all. They were knocked out of the Club World Cup despite having one of the strongest squads in the tournament. Considering the appointment of manager Marcelo Gallardo midway through the season, it seems the upper management is viewing this campaign as a transitional season.

However, Al Ittihad’s recent match against Al Hilal was a narrow 3-4 defeat. This was a very evenly contested match and probably Al Hilal’s hardest one of the season. This match highlighted the strength of the team and perhaps this might be the reason for Al-Deay’s comments.

While Al Ittihad has an incredibly strong core with the likes of Benzema, Fabinho and Kante, Al Nassr could be set for potential reinforcement of their own as per reports.

Casemiro set to join Al-Alami

As per reports, Man United midfielder Casemiro is set for a reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo. This could be a huge boost for Luis Castro’s side as they lack a midfielder with Casemiro’s defensive qualities. It could also free up Fofana and Brozovic and improve the team’s balance.

Read More: Good news for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr as Out of Favor Teammate Receives Transfer Offer

Man United is not having a good season and it is understandable as to why Casemiro prefers a move away. Moreover, he shares a great relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo from their Real Madrid days. CR7 has already convinced Alex Telles to move to the SPL and he could bring Casemiro to the club as well. One thing’s for certain, the signing of Casemiro will significantly strengthen Al Nassr, possibly putting them ahead of Al Ittihad and perhaps Al Hilal as well.

Who do you think will win the SPL this season? Let us know in the comments below.

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