Al-Fayha vs Al-Hilal preview: Makkelie reported in charge

Why Makkelie stands out

Makkelie is one of Europe’s more familiar elite officials, and the report says this would be his first Al-Hilal assignment of the new season.

• Makkelie is reportedly taking charge of his ninth Al-Hilal match across all competitions.
• The report says his assistants will be Hessel Steegstra and Jan de Vries.
• Ivan Bebek is reportedly assigned to VAR.
• Mohammed Abu Shukara is expected to serve as fourth official.

That matters because Al-Hilal are a side built to dominate matches territorially. In those games, referees are often drawn into repeated big calls around the box, physical duels in transition and time-management from the underdog.

A mixed history with Al-Hilal

The numbers attached to Makkelie’s previous Al-Hilal games are balanced rather than dramatic.

• Al-Hilal have reportedly won four of their eight previous games under him.
• They have also drawn two and lost two.
• One of those losses, the report says, was the heavy cup semi-final defeat to Al-Taawoun in 2019.
• Their most recent match with Makkelie in the middle was reportedly the 2-1 defeat to Fluminense in the Club World Cup quarter-finals.

There is positive history too. He also oversaw Al-Hilal’s 2022 Saudi Super Cup final triumph, a reminder that this is not a one-note relationship.

What to watch

The appointment does not decide the result, but it shapes the feel of the contest. Against an opponent like Al-Fayha, Al-Hilal will expect long spells on the ball and moments that hinge on discipline, control and composure in key areas. If the report proves accurate, Makkelie’s management of those moments will be one of the first subplots to track when the second round begins.