Al-Nassr faces Al Riyadh at Al Awal Park at King Saud University in the Saudi Pro League on Friday evening.
The hosts aim to regain their winning form against Al Riyadh, who are striving to secure better results and distance themselves from the relegation zone.
Match Preview:
Al-Nassr recently secured their spot in the AFC Champions League knockout round but enters this match on a three-game winless streak, including a 3-0 loss to league leaders Al Hilal.
Luis Castro’s team aims to recover from this setback, having previously enjoyed an unbeaten run of 12 league matches.
The Knights of Najd, currently placed second in the league, are formidable at home with a three-game winning streak and remain undefeated at Al Awal Park since the start of the season.
Meanwhile, Al Riyadh, after their return to the top flight, have shown promise under Odair Hellmann, securing two draws and a notable win over Al Tawoon.
However, they faced disappointment in their recent fixture, settling for a 0-0 draw against bottom-ranked Al Hazm at home.
Al Riyadh’s away form has been a concern, securing seven points out of a possible 21, conceding 18 goals in those matches.
Al-Nassr Saudi Pro League form: W W W W W L
Al Riyadh Saudi Pro League form: W L L D W D
Team News:
There’s anticipation around Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability for Al-Nassr, having been omitted from the midweek squad.
David Ospina remains injured, likely allowing Raghed Al-Najjar to continue in goal.
Al Riyadh will miss Mohammed Al Shwirekh due to suspension, while Ahmed Asiri could fill in for the defensive vacancy.
The team may rely on Abdullah Al-Khaibari and Khalid Al-Shuwayyi in full-back positions.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Al-Nassr: (4-2-3-1)
Al-Najjar;
Ghanam, Al-Fatil, Laporte, Telles;
Brozovic, Fofana;
Talisca, Otavio, Mane;
Ronaldo
Al Riyadh: (4-2-3-1)
Campana;
Al- Shuwayyi, Arslanagic, Asiri, al-Khaibari;
Toure, Rashidi,
Al-Shehri, Ndong, Al Dossari,
Al Abbas
Prediction: Al-Nassr 3-1 Al Riyadh
Al-Nassr seeks to break their winless streak and remains the favorites against Al Riyadh. Even without Cristiano Ronaldo, they are expected to secure a convincing victory over the newly promoted side.
