Al-Nassr will clash with Al Okhdood at Al-Awwal Park in the Saudi Pro League on Friday.
The hosts, on a four-game winning streak, sit second in the standings, while the visitors hover near the relegation zone following a crucial victory before the international break.
Match Preview
Al-Nassr, currently four points behind leaders Al-Hilal, have been on a terrific run, remaining unbeaten in 11 consecutive league matches after an initial two-game losing streak.
The Knights of Najd showcased an exceptional attacking prowess with six consecutive league victories, scoring 23 goals.
Their last league encounter saw them secure a 3-1 victory against Al Wahda, maintaining their impressive form.
Luis Castro’s squad, spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo and Talisca, has been formidable in the attacking front.
Al Okhdood, in contrast, has been struggling in the league and lies near the relegation zone.
Their promotion to the top-flight has been challenging, managing just two wins in their campaign so far.
Under new manager Martin Sevela, they recently secured a vital win over Al Hazem before the break, aiming to escape the bottom three.
However, facing a dominant side like Al-Nassr presents a significant challenge for Al Okhdood, especially in an away fixture.
Team News
Al-Nassr is expected to field a similar XI from their recent win over Al Wahda, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack, backed by the impressive performances of Talisca, Otavio, and Sadio Mane.
For Al Okhdood, Hamed Al Mansour’s suspension will force changes in the defensive setup, likely seeing Paulo Ricardo coming into the backline.
Leandre Tawamba, boosted by his brace in the previous game, will spearhead their attacking line.
Possible Lineups
Al-Nassr:(4-2-3-1)
Al-Aqidi;
Al Ghanam, Al-Amri, Al-Fatil, Telles;
Fofana, Brozovic;
Talisca, Otavio, Mane;
Ronaldo
Al Okhdood:(4-2-3-1)
Vitor;
Al Zabdani, Al-Rubaie, Kvirkvelia, Burca, Ricardo;
Collado, Pedroza, Tanase, Godwin;
Tawamba
Prediction: Al-Nassr 3-0 Al Okhdood
Despite Al Okhdood’s recent win and new management, facing a strong Al-Nassr side is a daunting task.
With Al-Nassr’s potent attacking lineup and their ambition to narrow the gap to Al-Hilal, a victory for the hosts seems likely in this encounter.