Al Nassr will embark on some midweek action as they gear up for the King Cup of Champions round of 16. The Knights of Najd will be hosting familiar Saudi Pro League rivals Al Taawoun at Al Awwal Park on Tuesday night. The last time both sides faced each other was in August, when Al Nassr secured a 2-0 victory over 10-man Al Taawoun in the Saudi Super Cup semifinal clash, only to endure a heavy 1-4 defeat against Al Hilal in the final.

Things have been quite relieving under Stefano Pioli. However, it was just last week they came close to facing its first setback. The Yellow and Blue army managed to play a 3-3 draw against Al Kholood in the Saudi Pro League, courtesy of a brace from Talisca and an early goal from Aymeric Laporte. As of their last King Cup of Champions match, Al Nassr had secured a close 1-2 win over Al Hazm to now play the last 16 clash.

Meanwhile, Al Taawoun enters the game with a poor 2-0 defeat at the hands of Saudi Pro League toppers Al Hilal. They are currently placed 9th in their domestic table with just 11 points. As for their previous King Cup of Champions fixture, the Sukkari Al-Qasim is coming off a close 3-2 victory against Al Abha in the round of 32.

Al Nassr vs Al Taawoun: Team news

Injuries

Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the major absentees in their recent league clash against Al Kholood. Though it wasn’t any kind of injury that the Portuguese superstar had sustained, Stefano Piolo decided to give a much-needed rest to the skipper. However, he shall return to the starting XI and help his side get through the next round.

Sami Al Najei remains uncertain for the matchup against Al Shabab, having missed the previous game due to a knee injury, which may keep him sidelined once again. However, Stefano Pioli is anticipated to have a fully fit squad at his disposal.

Al Taawoun

Andrei Girotto won’t be available at Péricles Chamusca’s disposal. The center-back was sent off in the previous King Cup of Champions round of 32 clash. Hence, Al Taawoun shall play with his replacement. Meanwhile, the rest of the squad is fit and will give everything to stop Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.

Predicted lineups

Al Nassr [4-2-3-1]: Bento; Al Ghanam, Alawjami, Laporte, Yahya; Al-Khaibari, Otavio; Sadio Mane, Ghareeb, Talisca, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Al Taawoun [5-3-2]: Maylson; Al Nasser, Al Ahmed, A. Girotto, Al Mufarrij, Al Shoeil; Fajr, El Mahdioui, Flavio; Barrow, J. Dos Santos.

Head-to-head stats and prediction of King Cup

Total matches: 1

Won by Al Nassr: 1

Won by Al Taawoun: 0

Draw: 0

Given the last meetings and recent form, the home side is expected to win this one with a score of Al Nassr 2-0 Al Taawoun.

Watch Al Nassr vs Al Taawoun King Cup of Champions on TV Channels and livestream

Fans in the United States can catch the action live on ACC Network Extra, ESPN, Max, and SEC Network. Other networks include TNT USA and truTV USA.