via Reuters
Soccer Football – Saudi Pro League – Al Nassr v Al Okhdood – Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – November 24, 2023 Al Nassr players pose for a team group photo before the match REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
via Reuters
Soccer Football – Saudi Pro League – Al Nassr v Al Okhdood – Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – November 24, 2023 Al Nassr players pose for a team group photo before the match REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr will be back in the Saudi Pro League as it makes a full-fledged return post-AFC Asian Cup and AFCON. However, a gap of more than 45 days can force teams to make some alterations to the camp. As they take on the 7th-placed Al Fateh today, we will dive deep into what the lineups could be, who all are injured, and more information regarding the all-important comeback match.
There is a 17-point gap between the two teams. Even though the result of the game may not impact Al Nassr’s position in the league, they would like to regroup with their best XI on the pitch. Al Fateh, on the other hand, would want to climb the ladder by surprising the home side. Let’s see how both teams could face off against each other.
Al Nassr vs. Al Fateh clash: teams, injuries, and stats
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Team news and injuries
Al Nassr: The club has undergone a major change during the international break. Luis Castro and Co. sent its defensive midfielder Seko Fofana to Al Ettifaq on loan while gaining the services of Australian international Aziz Behich. The club is safe as far as injuries are concerned, even though their veteran goalie, David Ospina, has been missing due to a thigh injury. Nevertheless, reports suggest that he could be back by the end of February.
via Getty
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 26: Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr looks on during the Saudi Super Cup Semi-Final football match between Al Ittihad and Al Nassr at King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on January 26, 2023. (Photo by Mohammed Saad/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Al Fateh: The club from Al-Mubarraz did not undergo any transformation in the last window. Although a couple of players left the club on loan, they barely started for the first team. However, their second-choice forward from the bench, Djaniny, suffered an injury in January that could keep him out indefinitely.
Predicted Lineups
Al Nassr: (4-2-3-1) Raghid Al-Najjar (Goalkeeper); Aymeric Laporte, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Aziz Behich, Alex Telles; Abdullah Alkhaibari, Marcelo Brozovic; Anderson Talisca, Otavio, Sadio Mane; Cristiano Ronaldo
Al Fateh: (4-3-3) Mustafa Malayekah (Goalkeeper); Saeed Baattia, Qasem Lajami, Marwane Saadane, Salem Al-Najdi; Mohammed Al-Fuhaid, Ali Mukhtar, Sofiane Bendebka; Mourad Batna, Saad Al-Sharfa Ali Al-Masoud
READ MORE: Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s $500M Al Nassr Deal, Ex-MLS Star Moves to Saudi Arabia: Reports
Head to Head
Al Nassr and Al Fateh have locked horns 34 times. Al Nassr has won 19 matches, whereas Al Fateh has won only four, with 11 matches ending in a tie. The last time these two teams clashed, Al Nassr won 5-0, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a hat trick.
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Prediction
Al Nassr has already resumed its season with a 1-0 win in the AFC Champions League tie against Al Feiha. On the other hand, this will be the first official game for Al Fateh in 2024. Considering the current form and previous results, Al Nassr seems to be a clear favorite and could win 3-1.
WATCH THIS STORY: Cristiano Jr’s Insane Training Schedule
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When and where to watch the match
The game is expected to start at 01:00 PM ET on Saturday, 17 February 2024. Viewers can watch the match on FOX Sports. Will Cristiano Ronaldo replicate his mojo from the last fixture? Let us know in the comments.
