Al Hilal are in commanding form at the top of the Saudi Pro League, sitting first with 15 points from five matches and a goal difference of plus 14. Their latest result, a 2-0 win away at Al Shabab courtesy of goals from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Ruben Neves, extended a perfect start to the season and underlined the squad's depth and collective quality under Simone Inzaghi.

The transfer window brought significant reinforcement to the attacking line. Gabriel Martinelli arrived from Arsenal for £60 million after being left out of Mikel Arteta's plans, while Ollie Watkins adds another option in attack. Inzaghi has confirmed he will rotate between Martinelli and Cresencio Summerville on the right flank, with Salem Al-Dawsari still recovering from knee surgery he underwent in July following the 2026 World Cup. The captain's return will raise a genuine selection dilemma, with some expecting him to start from the bench given the current competition for places.

Off the pitch, the departure of Karim Benzema after just six months, following a mutual termination of his contract, draws a line under a difficult chapter. Reports suggest the French forward refused a reduced role limited to Asian Champions League matches, and the club moved on quickly.

Al Hilal host Neom SC in Matchday 6 on Monday, a fixture that offers the chance to extend their lead at the summit and maintain the early-season momentum that has them three points clear of Al Nassr.