Saudi Pro League action returns for Al Nassr but with a twist. With the arrival of Stefano Pioli as Luis Castro’s replacement, the Riyadh giants will look to weather the storm they have been facing since the start of the season. Keeping their chin up, the Knights of the Najd will travel to Dammam and lock horns against Steven Gerrard-led Al Etiffaq at the Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Stadium.

The past few weeks have been quite eventful for Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. as they parted ways with Castro, who just arrived last summer. Unfortunately, it was the lack of results that forced the Riyadh-based club to hit the panic button. Now with a new coach at the helm, they would be looking to make the much-anticipated bounce back. The previous fixture saw them being held 1-1 against Al Ahli Saudi. With a similar result in the opening fixture before clinching a 1-4 victory, they occupy 7th place in the table with just 5 points.

On the other hand, Al Etiffaq is doing just fine for the start of their season. They have clinched victories in all three Matchdays so far. However, The Knights of Ad-Dahna aren’t alone as they sit in third place due to goal difference, despite sharing a similar tally of nine points with Al Ittihad and Al Hilal. Gerrard and Co. would be looking to make it their fourth straight victory in a row ahead of facing Al Nassr.

Al Etiffaq vs Al Nassr: Team news

Injuries

Al Etiffaq

Fortunately, Steven Gerrard will get to pick his team with full confidence are there no underlying injury concerns. He’ll surely teach a few things to his star forward Mousa Dembele, who managed to score 2 goals in the opening two matches so far. Likewise, Georginio Wijnaldum, a former player from his boyhood club Liverpool, as well as Karl Toko Ekambi and Vitinho will be retaining their place in the starting XI. However, left-back Madallah Alolayan shall remain disciplined in the upcoming game as the 30-year-old picked up a yellow card in the previous triumph.

Al Nassr

Concern remains over the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was diagnosed with a viral infection. This saw him miss the previous fixture against Al Ahli Saudi which Castro’s side struggled to win. However, the Portuguese superstar seems to have recovered from the minor setback and should be available at the disposal of new coach Pioli. Meanwhile, the rest of the squad also remains fit. 

Anderson Talisca’s return to action sparked some hope in the fandom. Unfortunately, the Brazilian missed most of the 2023/24 season, but Talisca has started some matches this season. Incoming 19-year-old striker Angelo Gabriel from parent club Chelsea only adds to the excitement, although the youngster is yet to make his debut after being left out in the last match.

Predicted lineups

Al Etiffaq [4-3-3]: Rodak; Alolayan, Madu, Al-Khateeb, A Otabi; Fofana, Wijnaldum, Vitinho; Toko Ekambi, Dembele, Radif.

Al Nassr [4-2-3-1]: Bento; Al Ghanam, Alawjami, Laporte, Telles; Brozovic, Otavio; Al Ghareeb, Talisca, Mane; Ronaldo.

Head-to-head stats and prediction

Total matches: 38

Won by Al Etiffaq: 10

Won by Al Nassr: 18

Draw: 10

Al Etiffaq looks like a clear winner in the eyes of winning, who are surprisingly dominating at the beginning of the season. On the other hand, problems remain persistent for Al Nassr. Hence, comparing the overall aspects, we reckon the score will be Al Etiffaq 2-1 Al Nassr.

Watch Al Etiffaq vs Al Nassr Saudi Pro League on TV channel and live stream

Fans in the United States can catch the action live on Fox Soccer Plus and Fox Deportes. Meanwhile, live streaming is available on Fubo, Fox Sports.com, and the Fox Sports App. Likewise, UK supporters can tune in to DAZN UK.