FIFA Club World Cup
Confidence boosted by their draw with five-time champions Real Madrid on Wednesday, Simone Inzaghi will be itching to claim his first win as head coach of the Saudi Pro League side.
The Italian tactician may not have had much time working with the squad but his presence is already showing a positive impact, such was their credible display against the Spanish giants.
Inzaghi will need to consider if Marcos Leonardo remains the right candidate to lead the line with Aleksandar Mitrovic still on the mend but if not, could turn to Abdullah Al Hamddan.
There is positive news from the medical room with Abdulelah Al Malki and Yasser Al Shahrani both returning to full fitness to give Inzaghi more options.
Victory on Sunday will see Al Hilal move into contention for a place in the Round of 16 as they trail Salzburg by two points after the opening round of matches.
The 17-time Austrian champions Salzburg defeated Mexico’s Pachuca 2-1 in their opening match to lead the standings and another win will all but confirm their spot in the knockout stage.
Head coach Thomas Letsch gave 18-year-old Christian Zawieschitzky his debut against Pachuca and was rewarded with a fine display from the goalkeeper who should keep his place against Al Hilal.
“We’ll be up against it when we take on Al Hilal, but we have nothing to lose,” said Letsch. “The foundations are now firmly in place, and it will be fascinating to see just what this young squad is capable of.”
Red Bull Salzburg (AUS) v Al Hilal SFC (KSA)
Venue: Audi Field (Washington D.C.)
Venue: Audi Field (Washington D.C.)
Kick-off: Sunday, 18:00 (UTC-4)
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