Newcastle United return to action this evening for the first time since Chelsea were put to the sword at St James’ Park last month. An unprecedented winter World Cup halted the Premier League season just as Eddie Howe and Co were clicking into gear.
Sitting third in the table, the Magpies’ challenge is to pick up where they left off in the second half of the campaign. Two tune-up games against foreign opposition will prepare Newcastle for their competitive comeback against Bournemouth on December 21.
The first of those sees Howe’s men take on Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal. While the North East deals with near-freezing temperatures and potential snow, United are sunning it up in the Middle East.
READ MORE: Howe keen to extend Loris Karius short-term Newcastle United deal before January
A mid-season jolly to Saudi proved the turning point in January as Newcastle’s form skyrocketed following their return. Supporters will be hoping history can repeat itself and a European finish can be cemented in May.
Ahead of the game, ChronicleLive has provided a matchday programme-style piece to keep you informed on today’s opponents.
Background
Al Hilal was founded by Abdul Rahman bin Saad bin Saeed as “Olympic Club” in 1957. However, then ruler King Saud Saud bin Abdulaziz ditched the name one year later, rebranding the club to what it is known as today.
An Arabic translation of Al Hilal is “the land of the Crescent Moon”, determining the beginning of a new month in the Islamic calendar. Based in capital city Riyadh, their home ground, the King Fahd Stadium, holds over 68,000 supporters and is soon to be expanded to 80,000 - dwarfing St James’ Park’s capacity.
However, average attendances are rarely above 20,000 despite their reserve ground, the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium which will host today's fixture, also holding 22,000. Their long-standing rivals are Jeddah outfit Al-Ittihad, who Newcastle beat 2-1 on their previous trip to Saudi.
Success
While Newcastle supporters have been starved of silverware for generations, Al Hilal claim trophies for fun. With 18 league titles, the Blue Waves are the most successful Saudi Arabian club.
They are also the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, pipping rivals Al-Ittihad to top spot by two points. Earlier this year, reports suggested Al Hilal offered Cristiano Ronaldo a two-year deal worth $250million.
Former famous names have joined in the past, with Brazil legend Roberto Rivellino enjoying a spell at the back end of his career. Shockwaves were sent around the world when Saudi Arabia - who had 12 Al Hilal players in their squad - stunned Argentina 2-1 at the World Cup last month.
A warm welcome
Our reporter Laura Hill travelled to Saudi Arabia last week and found a football-mad country with many passionate fans - many of whom are keeping a close eye on Newcastle United this season.
Laura spent last week in Riyadh at the World Travel and Tourism Conference and was astounded by the reaction every time she told Saudis she was from Newcastle. “ Newcastle United? We’re third in the league,” at least half a dozen people told her with pride.
They admitted that the club wasn’t necessarily well-known in the Middle-Eastern country before the Saudi Arabia PIF (public investment fund) bought an 80 per cent stake in the club’s ownership.
You can read the full story of the Al-Hilal fans and their love for Newcastle here.
Danger men
Formerly of Manchester United, Odion Ighalo is expected to lead the line and is their top goalscorer in 2022-23, with four goals in eight games. Ex-West Bromwich Albion midfielder Matheus Pereira - once linked with Newcastle - provides the flair in midfield.
Those who featured in the World Cup and shocked Argentina are also aiming to do the same again versus Premier League opposition. Winger Salem Al-Dawsari - who scored the winner against Argentina - is a legend at the club and could be one to keep an eye on.
What has been said
While pre-match talk from the opposition camp has been subdued, supporters in the Gulf state have opened up about their loyalties to Newcastle. Saudi’s Public Investment Fund acquired an 80 per cent stake in the Magpies last October - a move that has seen fans defect to black-and-white stripes.
“Now we love it, we love Newcastle,” one native told ChronicleLive last week. “We moved who we support, before people supported Manchester United, Arsenal, now Newcastle. We want to know more about Newcastle, the city so that we can connect.”
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