Al Raed will face a daunting task as they host Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in gameweek 18 of the Saudi Pro League at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium on Thursday. With six consecutive losses in the league, Al Raed are desperately in need of a win to avoid slipping into the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr are looking to extend their winning streak to three matches as they aim to stay in the title race.
Al Raed’s Struggles: A Six-Game Losing Streak
Al Raed’s season has been plagued by inconsistency and defensive woes. With just four wins from 17 matches, the team is struggling to find any rhythm, particularly after their most recent 2-1 defeat to Al Kholood. The loss marked their sixth straight defeat in the league, leaving them precariously close to the relegation zone with only 14 points, just above the bottom three on goal difference.
Coach Odair Hellmann has a lot of work to do. Al Raed’s defensive record is among the worst in the league, with 30 goals conceded so far, including 14 goals in their current losing streak. The team’s inability to find the back of the net in three of those games only adds to their growing problems.
However, there’s a silver lining. Al Raed have been unbeaten in their last two encounters with Al-Nassr, winning one and drawing the other. But with their current form, Al Raed will have their hands full against one of the most potent attacks in the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Nassr’s Ambitious Push for the Title
Al-Nassr, led by Italian manager Stefano Pioli, have been fighting for the title but find themselves in fourth place, eight points behind leaders Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad. After a 3-1 victory over Al Fateh, they will be looking to make it three wins in a row. Despite sitting outside the top three, the Riyadh-based team has been one of the most consistent sides in the league.
Al-Nassr’s form on the road has been impressive. They have scored in every away game this season and have netted at least three goals in four of those matches. The team’s last three visits to the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium have seen them score 10 goals, giving them a strong advantage heading into this fixture.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been in scintillating form with 16 goal involvements this season, will be looking to make a statement as he heads into his final league match before turning 40. He will be supported by Sadio Mane, Otavio, and Angelo as Al-Nassr aim for a comprehensive victory.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Al Raed:
Al Raed will likely stick with the same starting XI that faced Al Kholood in their last match. Meshari Sunyur will start in goal, while Hamad Al Jayzani, Oumar Gonzalez, Mubarak Al Rajeh, and Zakaria Hawsawi form the defense. Saleh Al Amri could pair with Amir Sayoud up front, though Mohammed Fouzair remains sidelined due to a cruciate ligament injury.
Predicted Al Raed XI:
Sunyur; Al Jayzani, Gonzalez, Al Rajeh, Hawsawi; Al Dossary, Abeid, Normann, Bouzok; Al Amri, Sayoud
Al-Nassr:
Al-Nassr will be without Sami Al-Najei, who is recovering from a cruciate ligament tear, and Ayman Yahya, who is still recovering from a leg injury. Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the attack with Sadio Mane, Otavio, and Angelo providing support in a potent offensive lineup.
Predicted Al-Nassr XI:
Bento; Bu Washl, Lajami, Simakan, Al Ghannam; Brozovic, Al Khaibari; Mane, Otavio, Angelo; Ronaldo
Match Prediction: Al Raed 1-3 Al-Nassr
Given Al Raed’s poor form and defensive vulnerabilities, it’s hard to see them pulling off an upset against a team of Al-Nassr’s caliber. With Ronaldo leading the line and the visitors' impressive attacking options, Al-Nassr are expected to claim a 3-1 victory. Al Raed will struggle to contain the quality and firepower of the Riyadh-based team, who have been dominant in recent matches.
Conclusion
Al Raed is in desperate need of a turnaround, but facing an in-form Al-Nassr team with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane may prove too much for them. With the visitors looking to build on their recent wins, it’s hard to see anything other than an away victory. Don’t miss this exciting Saudi Pro League encounter as the league season continues!
