Al-Nassr will host Al Ettifaq on Friday night at the King Saud University Stadium in what promises to be an exciting Saudi Pro League encounter. With both teams heading into the game with contrasting forms, the match is set to be a thrilling spectacle.
Form Guide: Al-Nassr’s Strong Run
Al-Nassr is enjoying a fantastic run in the Saudi Pro League, having won five consecutive matches. This streak has placed them third in the standings, just four points behind second-placed Al-Hilal and eight points adrift of league leaders Al-Ittihad. Under coach Stefano Pioli, the Knights of Najd have demonstrated impressive attacking prowess, netting 18 goals in their last seven league games. Although their recent goalless draw in the AFC Champions League against Persepolis halted their six-match winning streak, they remain undefeated in their last seven Saudi Pro League matches.
Key players like Cristiano Ronaldo, who tops the Golden Boot race with 16 goals, and new signing Jhon Duran, who has scored braces in both his league appearances, are expected to lead the charge as Al-Nassr looks to extend their unbeaten run.
Al Ettifaq’s Resilience Despite Setbacks
Al Ettifaq, managed by Saad Al-Shehri, has experienced a mix of results since Steven Gerrard’s departure, most recently suffering a 2-1 defeat to bottom-dwellers Al Fateh. Despite this, Al Ettifaq’s away form has been solid, with 19 points from 30 on the road. With key absences, including striker Moussa Dembele due to injury, Al Ettifaq will need their star players like Georginio Wijnaldum and Karl Toko Ekambi to step up in this challenging away fixture.
Al Ettifaq will be hoping to maintain their strong away form, as they look to avoid defeat at Al-Nassr for the first time since October 2021.
Team News
- Al-Nassr: Mohamed Simakan is suspended, and Otavio is unavailable due to injury. Cristiano Ronaldo and Jhon Duran are expected to lead the attack.
- Al Ettifaq: Moussa Dembele is sidelined with an Achilles injury, while Jack Hendry is a doubt due to a muscle issue. Karl Toko Ekambi will spearhead the attack for the visitors.
Predicted Lineups
- Al-Nassr (4-4-2): Bento; Al Ghanam, Al Fatil, Laporte, Al Najdi; Yahya, Brozovic, Al Khaibari, Mane; Duran, Ronaldo
- Al Ettifaq (4-3-3): Rodak; Abdulrahman, Al Khateeb, Madu, Otaibi; Ali, Medran; Costa, Wijnaldum, Vitinho; Ekambi
Match Prediction
Al-Nassr is the favorite heading into this match, and their attacking strength is expected to overpower Al Ettifaq. Despite Al Ettifaq’s solid away form, Al-Nassr’s prolific attack, led by Ronaldo and Duran, should ensure they claim a 3-1 victory.
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