Monterrey vs Al Hilal Riyadh Predictions

• Though they eventually went down 2-1, Monterrey drew plaudits for their competitive performance against UEFA Champions League winners Liverpool in midweek.
• The Mexicans will now be looking to take the bronze medal home with them.
• Al Hilal were also fairly competitive in their midweek semi-final but despite having lead 1-0, they eventually lost 3-1 to Flamengo.

Monterrey looking to end on a high

Having came into their semi-final clash with Liverpool highly expected to be on the end of a heavy defeat, CONCACAF Champions League holders Monterrey gave Jurgen Klopp’s troops a real scare. Indeed, the Mexicans managed more shots and more shots on target than Liverpool but conceded at the death to lose 2-1.

That’s left a feeling of disappointment in the camp but they’ll be highly motivated to build on such a strong performance and try to secure the bronze medal in Saturday’s game. With the final of the Apertura league phase awaiting them when they return home, Monterrey will want to generate some momentum via a win and if they hit the standard they did in midweek, they should stand a good chance

Al Hilal also aiming for third place

Meanwhile, Al Hilal also went into their semi final clash with Copa Libertadores holders Flamengo as big underdogs. They had the Brazilians rocked in the first half and went into the break 1-0 up but were then overpowered by Flamengo’s firepower and ended up on the wrong end of a 3-1 full time scoreline.

Al Hilal showed they can attack and counter dangerously in said fixture but also displayed clear defensive frailties that have to be a concern coming into Saturday’s match. Indeed, having conceded an average of 1.44 goals a game over their last 9 matches, Al Hilal aren’t the most secure of sides defensively and will have to tighten things up if they are to get the better of a Monterrey side with clear ability in attack

Monterrey look a good play

Ultimately, we’re expecting this to be a pretty competitive game but cannot really understand why Monterrey have been priced as such big underdogs. They looked impressive against Liverpool, are enjoying an excellent season overall and should have more than enough quality to trade blows with Al Hilal.

All things considered, we see good value in backing Monterrey on the Draw No Bet line and feel it’s the best way to play as far as the betting is concerned. Al Hilal’s defensive issues are a big concern coming into the game and aren’t really befitting to the favourites tag attached to them and we fancy the Mexicans to run out 2-1 winners come full time.