With September’s international window concluded, fans can finally expect the return of domestic action. Concerning the Saudi Pro League, Al Nassr is set for a crucial Matchday 3 fixture as they will host arch-rivals Al Ahli Saudi at Al Awwal Park on Friday. Either side has endured a mixed start to their season and will surely look to clinch three points.

Luis Castro and Co. enter the match with a remarkable 1-4 away victory over Al Feiha. A brace from Talisca and individual strikes from Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo Brozovic proved favorable for the Knights of the Najd to clinch their first three points. The initial fixture saw them being held 1-1 by Raed, before enduring a heavy defeat in the Saudi Super Cup against Al Hilal.

Meanwhile, new boss Jens Gustafsson hasn’t completely kick-started his journey on an average note. While the Castle of Cups won their opening league fixture against newcomers Al Orobah 2-0, they endured a narrow defeat in their previous fixture. They take 8th place with just three points while Al Nassr takes 5th place with a point extra.

Al Nassr Vs Al Ahli: Team news

Injuries and suspensions

Al Nassr

Luis Castro is fortunate not to have injuries or suspensions as setbacks. At the start of the season, he received a significant boost with the return of Anderson Talisca. Unfortunately, the Brazilian missed most of the 2023/24 season, but Talisca has been starting matches since the beginning of this season.

Additionally, excitement also remains regarding the new arrival of 19-year-old striker Angelo Gabriel from parent club Chelsea. The youngster would be looking to make his debut in this one and play with iconic Cristiano Ronaldo, who, himself, is coming in a brilliant mood, having reached a career goal tally of 901 goals while serving Portugal.

Al Ahli

Meanwhile, the same cannot be said for Al Ahli Saudi. Defensive midfielder Abdullah Otayf has been out of action since last September after sustaining a cruciate ligament tear. Another star missing from the center half of the pitch selection is Mohammed Al-Majhad, who continues to nurse his knee injury since May. In addition to the injury list, left-back Abdullah Al-Ammar is also ruled out because of an unknown injury, bringing the total number of injured players to a higher count. Rest are available at Jens Gustafsson’s disposal.

Predicted lineups

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

Al Ahli [4-2-3-1]: Mendy; Majrashi, Demiral, Ibanez, Alhurayji; Kessie, Aljohani; Vegia, Firmino, Mahrez; Darisi

Head-to-head stats and prediction

Total matches played: 33

Won by Al Nassr: 14

Won by Al Ahli: 9

Draw: 10

Analyzing the form and previous encounters, we reckon the score will be Al Nassr 2-1 Al Ahli.

Watch Al Nassr Vs Al Ahli Saudi Pro League on TV 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.