The new season of the Saudi Pro League is here with Cristiano Ronaldo and his Al Nassr set for kickoff. Still, recovering from their Super Cup humiliation, the Knights of the Najd will be keen to get their league campaign off to a good start. Eyeing a first league title since 2019, they will begin their campaign at home to Al Raed.

Last season, Al Nassr finished a distant second behind Al Hilal, who won the league by a margin of 14 points. Despite Ronaldo’s scoring a league-record 35 goals, the team faltered in the second half of the season. But as they embark on a new season, Luis Castro would hope his team can give Al Hilal a better run for their money this time around.

On the other hand, Al Raed ended up at 12 in the league last season with 37 points. The Buraidah-based club would want to build on that and push for a top-half finish in the new season. Given the difference in expectations between the two teams, their opening-day clash promises to be exciting. So let’s check out how can they line up.

Al Nassr vs Al Raed: Team news

Injuries

Al Nassr

Marcelo Brozovic was one of the major absentees during the Saudi Super Cup match vs Al Hilal. The former European star was controversially sent off during the semifinal clash forcing him to sit out for the grand final. It’s likely he’ll be available for the clash. However, questions surround the presence of Ayman Yahya.

The winger was subbed off within 26 minutes of action against Al Hilal and was replaced by Abdulrahman Ghareeb. It’s unknown why he was taken off so early but it remains to be seen if he’ll be available for the Roshn Saudi League opener. Brazilian forward Talisca, who missed majority of the last season through a thigh muscle injury was back in the pre-season and can be expected to start alongside Ronaldo and Sadio Mane. Luis Castro has a largely fully fit squad to choose from.

The past few weeks haven’t been good on Al Nassr. Starting with their pre-season, they registered a solitary win in their eight matches, during their tour to Portugal and Spain. Afterward, they embarked on their Saudi Super Cup journey where they made it to the final by defeating Al Taawoun 2-0 courtesy of goals from Ayman Yahya and Cristiano Ronaldo. Unfortunately, they lost the final 4-1 against Al Hilal.

Though CR7 put his side ahead in the first half, the second half saw a complete turnaround. Sergej Milinokovic-Savic scored the equalizer, followed by a brace from Aleksander Mitrovic and Malcom added a fourth to complete the rout. This meant Al Nassr’s trophyless run from last season continued. 

Al Raed

Left-back Zakaria Hawsawi was signed earlier this summer from Al Ittihad but he remains injured to make his debut for Al Raed. Odair Hellmann, however, will have another new arrival from Al Ittihad, left winger Saleh Al-Amri at his disposal. Additionally, right-back Abdullah Saad Al-Shalghoot who was signed from Al-Najma will also look to make his debut.

The club have a new manager, Odair Hellmann, after parting ways with Igor Jovicevic.

Al Raed hasn’t seen much pre-season action. They lost their only friendly against Ukrainian side FC Zorya Luhansk 3-2. 

Predicted lineups

Al Nassr [4-2-3-1]: Bento; Sultan Al Ghannam, Aymeric Laporte, Ali Lajami, Alex Telles; Mukhtar Ali, Al-Khaibari; Aymen Yahya, Otavio, Sadio Mane; Cristiano Ronaldo.

Al Raed [4-3-3]: Moreira; Al-Dawsari, Gonzalez, Whaeshi, Al-Jayzani; Normann, Hazazi, Maghrahi; F. Al-Ghamdi, R. Al-Ghamdi, Sayoud

Head-to-head stats and prediction

On their last visit to Al Nassr, Al Raed pulled off a massive upset as they beat Castro’s men 3-1. Earlier in the season, Ronaldo and Co. had also beat Al Raed by the same scoreline.

Total matches played: 37

Won by Al Nassr: 29

Won by Al Raed: 3

Draw: 5

How to watch Al Nassr vs Al Raed on TV channels and live stream?

The Al Nassr vs Al Raed will kick off at 2:00 p.m. ET. 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 Fox Sports App. Likewise, for the UK supporters, tune in to DAZN UK.