New coach Zoran Mamic will look to continue his explosive start to life at Saudi Professional League champions Al Hilal when they travel to relegation-battlers Al Batin on Friday.
Mamic, 47, was only drafted in last week from Al Ain as replacement for Jorge Jesus after a breakdown in relations with the Crescent’s board about his long-term future. The ex-Croatia international, however, excelled on debut as Al Fateh were dispatched 4-1.
Batin’s recent upturn was halted by Al Ahli Jeddah on Saturday, keeping them in the play-off spot.
Here are the talking points ahead of the meeting at Al Batin Club Stadium:
MAMIC’S INSTANT IMPRESSION
Mamic’s focus and strong constitution came to the fore during Monday’s instant debut with the Middle East’s premier club.
With several extra days logged on the training pitch, now comes the defining challenge of making this Hilal side his own. Only a month remains until the 2019 AFC Champions League kicks off, at ex-employers Al Ain, and success in this competition is an absolute necessity.
The 4-2-3-1 formation utilised under Jesus remained. Only the personnel was tweaked.
Brazilian talisman Carlos Eduardo was freed from Jesus’ tactical shackles – and he was magnificent. A perfect top-corner shot and selfless assist for Nawaf Al Abed followed.
Hilal were happier to go direct, earlier. This approach reached its zenith with rampaging midfielder Mohammed Kanno’s delicious ball over the top for striker Bafetimbi Gomis’ volleyed second.
To recover from Abdelkader Oueslati’s early penalty would have also pleased Mamic.
Next opponents Batin have the competition’s third-worst defence. They should provide a gentle step on his assimilation.
NAWAF’S BACK FOR GOOD?
2018 should have been the defining year in Al Abed’s career.
Instead, it was ruined by injury. Saudi Arabia’s star player could not prove his fitness in time for World Cup 2018, he featured just 11 times as Hilal surged to the 2017/18 SPL crown and long-term animosity with Sami Al Jaber caused ructions.
A new page, however, appears to have been turned in 2019. King Saud University Stadium erupted when Al Abed found the bottom corner to complete the 4-1 rout of Fateh – the gifted winger’s last Hilal goal came in May 2017.
With new additions Sebastian Giovinco and Jonathan Soriano hampered by injury, Hilal’s fallen golden child must keep taking his chances.
BRUISING FOR BATIN
Batin’s recent resurgence came to a halt last Saturday with an expected 2-1 loss to Al Ahli Jeddah.
In all competitions, coach Yousef Al Ghadeer had last tasted defeat six matches previously. Some recovery after an uncomfortable early succession once Franky Vercauteren was sacked in November.
Despite this upturn, Batin have only moved up one spot from 14th to 13th – in the relegation play-off.
To rise higher, goalless January addition Ismael Bangoura, the veteran Guinea striker, must start scoring for the division’s second-worst attack.