The Saudi Pro League has provided some thrilling encounters this season, and the upcoming clash between Al-Nassr and Al Fateh promises to be no different. Al-Nassr will host Al Fateh on Sunday at home, with both teams desperate for points but for entirely different reasons. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this crucial game.
Al-Nassr’s Title Hopes on the Line
After a rocky start to the 2024-25 campaign, Al-Nassr seems to have found their stride, securing a 3-1 victory over Al Khaleej last Tuesday. The team has shown resilience, bouncing back from a series of poor results in late 2024. With 32 points from 16 games, they sit fourth in the standings, 11 points behind the top two, Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad. If Al-Nassr aims to challenge for the title, a win in this fixture is a must.
Under the leadership of Stefano Pioli, the Faris Najd are focused on securing their 10th league title. Despite a shaky finish to the previous year, they have started 2025 strong, with a significant win in midweek against Al Khaleej, thanks to late goals from Sultan Al-Ghannam and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has been in scintillating form this season, leading the goal-scoring charts with 13 goals. Al-Nassr will be looking to him to fire them to a crucial victory. However, they will be without key player Talisca due to injury, and central defender Aymeric Laporte is also unavailable for personal reasons.
Al Fateh’s Fight for Survival
On the other end of the table, Al Fateh has been struggling. Sitting at the bottom of the Saudi Pro League, they have managed just two wins from 16 games. The team has endured a difficult season, suffering a heavy 9-0 defeat to Al-Hilal and a run of 10 losses in their last 13 matches. However, their recent 2-1 win over Damac could be the boost they need to survive in the league. They are currently five points adrift of safety and will hope to secure a shock result against Al-Nassr.
Al Fateh will continue to rely on striker Djaniny, who has four goals to his name this season, to lead the attack. Midfielder Sofiane Bendebka and defensive stalwart Jason Denayer will also be key figures in their fight for survival.
Predicted Lineups
Al-Nassr (4-3-3):
Bento; Al-Ghanam, Simakan, Lajami, Boushal; Brozovic, Al-Hassan; Gabriel, Otavio, Mane; Ronaldo
Al Fateh (4-3-3):
Szappanos; Baattiah, Al-Dohaim, Denayer, Al-Zarie; Bendebka, Al-Zaid; Batna, Vargas, Sbai; Djaniny
Match Prediction: Al-Nassr 3-0 Al Fateh
While Al Fateh will travel with renewed confidence after their recent win, Al-Nassr’s superior quality, especially with Ronaldo in attack, should ensure a comfortable victory. With their title hopes hanging by a thread, the hosts will be eager to extend their winning run and keep up the pressure on the top two.
